The Harlot’s Case [1560]

1. Facts:

• The defendant (D) assaulted the victim (V), leaving V unconscious on a deserted beach.

• Before V could regain consciousness, the tide came in, and V drowned.

2. Outcome:

• The court held that the chain of causation was not broken.

• D was found liable for V’s death as drowning by the incoming tide was foreseeable in the normal course of events.

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Foreseeability: Reinforces that if the outcome of an event is foreseeable in the normal course of events, the original act can still be considered the cause of the result.

• Chain of Causation: Demonstrates that a defendant can be held liable for the consequence of their actions if the resulting harm follows naturally from their conduct.

• Legal Liability: The ruling affirms that foreseeability of the harm, even if it occurs through subsequent events, maintains the defendant's liability.