Causal Connection

in law, a connection between the behavior and actions (or inaction) of a person and the consequences of such behavior or actions. In Soviet criminal law, the question of a causal connection arises when a person is charged with responsibility for an offense, and harmful consequences resulting from such an offense are considered by law to be elements of the crime. For example, art. 211 of the RSFSR Criminal Code provides for criminal responsibility for violations of traffic regulations and regulations concerning utilization of motor transport or urban electrical transport if the violation results in death, severe bodily injury, or substantial material loss. The absence of a causal connection between the illegal action (or inaction) and harmful results excludes the possibility of criminal responsibility. The fact that a causal connection is established is not sufficient to decide the question of criminal responsibility, since the accused can be held responsible for the harmful consequences of his behavior only if those consequences were caused deliberately or through negligence.