A Level Law Practice Exam

In which case did D's actions result in an indirect but certain fatal outcome?

1. Roberts

2. Woollin

3. Cunningham

4. Jordan

The correct answer is: Woollin

In the context of legal principles regarding causation and the relationship between a defendant's actions and the outcome, the case of Woollin is particularly significant. This case established crucial parameters surrounding the concept of indirect intent, particularly when determining the requisite mental state for a conviction in cases resulting in fatal outcomes. In Woollin, the defendant threw his three-month-old son onto a hard surface, an action that led to the child's death. Although the defendant did not intend to kill his son in the traditional sense, the court found that he must have recognized that such an action could almost certainly result in death or serious injury. Therefore, the court articulated that an indirect but certain outcome resulting from an action may be considered as having been intended by the defendant if it could be shown that the defendant had foreseen the death as a virtually certain consequence of their actions. This case ultimately reinforces the idea of "indirect intent," where the outcome, although not directly intended, is a foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct. In contrast, the other cases mentioned explore different aspects of intention and causation. For instance, Roberts primarily deals with issues surrounding whether a victim's actions were a direct result of the defendant's behavior, and Cunningham focuses on recklessness rather than intent.