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NeCede's

Maxim 12.2.1

The cause of a cause is the cause of the thing caused.

Causa causae est causa causati.

Source: 12 Mod. 639; Bouv. 119; Black's Law Dictionary, 4th ed., 177; Weisman, 14f Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Liability traces backward through the chain of causation — he who sets the first cause in motion is answerable for the final effect.

Where this applies

  • The person who set everything in motion is responsible for the final result.
  • Liability traces back through the chain of causation to whoever started it.
  • The cause of a cause is the cause of the ultimate effect.

Legal domains

criminaltort

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.2.1 — The cause of a cause is the cause of the thing caused. — 12 Mod. 639; Bouv. 119; Black's Law Dictionary, 4th ed., 177; Weisman, 14f (Causa causae est causa causati.)

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