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What does novus actus interveniens mean in the law of torts?

A novus actus interveniens is a new, sufficiently independent event that breaks the causal chain linking the defendant's wrong to the loss. A later event does not…

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What does novus actus interveniens mean in the law of torts?

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Correct answer B

A novus actus interveniens is a new, sufficiently independent event that breaks the causal chain linking the defendant's wrong to the loss. A later event does not automatically have that effect. The inquiry is whether the defendant's wrong remains a legal cause of the loss after the intervention.

Option feedback

Option A

This describes an unbroken causal connection to the original wrong.

Option B

A sufficiently independent intervening event can sever legal responsibility for the later loss.

Option C

A foreseeable consequence is not itself an independent cause that breaks the chain.

Option D

This concerns mitigation of loss, which is distinct from a new intervening cause.

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