BUT-FOR TEST

but-for test.Tort & criminal law. The doctrine that causation exists only when the result would not have occurred without the party’s conduct. — Also termed (in criminal law) had-not test. See but-for cause under CAUSE(1). [Cases: Criminal Law  26; Negligence  379. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 44–45, 1110.][Blacks Law 8th]