Causation

This exercise provides an overview of the concept of causation. Factual cause is distinguished from legal cause, and causation in general from mens rea and attempt. Specific issues covered include simultaneous causes, different victim, different manner, and different injury.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Discuss an overview of the concept of causation.
2. Distinguish between result offenses and conduct offenses.
3. Analyze the distinction between factual cause and legal cause.
4. State the Model Penal Code causation standard found in § 2.03.
5. Explain how the Model Penal Code handles the common law legal fiction of transferred intent.
6. Analyze the distinction between causation in general and mens rea and attempt.
7. Research your state’s rule for tying causation explicitly to mens rea with regards to strict liability offenses.