“Causa sine qua non” is a Latin term that means “cause without which not” in English. It is a legal and philosophical concept that refers to the idea of a “but-for” cause. This is an event or condition that must be present for a particular outcome to occur. It signifies the essential cause or condition that would have prevented a certain result or effect if it were absent.
In legal contexts, particularly in tort law, the concept of causa sine qua non is used to determine causation. It helps establish whether a specific action or event was the primary cause of harm or injury. For something to be considered the causa sine qua non, it must be an indispensable factor in bringing about the outcome. If it were removed or absent, the outcome would not have occurred.
This concept is vital in establishing liability and determining the responsibility of individuals or entities in various legal cases, especially those involving negligence or causation disputes.
