Legal Definitions - transferred-intent doctrine

The transferred-intent doctrine is a legal rule that applies when a person intends to harm one individual but unintentionally harms another. In this case, the person's criminal or tortious intent towards the intended victim is transferred to the actual victim. This means that the offender can be prosecuted for an intent crime or sued by the actual victim for an intentional tort.

For example, if someone intends to shoot and kill person A, but misses and accidentally kills person B, the transferred-intent doctrine applies. The shooter's intent to harm person A is transferred to the unintentional victim, person B.

The transferred-intent doctrine is important in criminal and tort law because it holds individuals responsible for their actions, even if they did not intend to harm the actual victim. It ensures that victims receive justice and compensation for their injuries or losses.