What is a broken or interrupted chain of events referred to as?

A broken or interrupted chain of events is referred to as an intervening cause. This term is used in legal contexts, particularly in tort law, to describe a situation wherein an event occurs that breaks the causal connection between an initial act and the ultimate harm. An intervening cause can change the outcome in terms of liability because it can either lessen or eliminate the responsibility of the original actor if it is deemed to be an independent act that would have happened regardless of their initial actions.

Understanding intervening causes is crucial because they demonstrate how unforeseen events can disrupt the direct line of causality. The implications of recognizing an intervening cause can significantly affect the outcome of legal cases, such as determining whether the initial act can still be held responsible for the ultimate harm experienced by the victim.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different legal concepts: a negligent act relates to a failure to act with reasonable care, contributory negligence addresses a situation where a plaintiff's own negligence may have contributed to their injuries, and defamation concerns the communication of false statements that damage someone's reputation.