FOCL Practice Test

What is the likely outcome for Adam, who shot at Baker but accidentally killed Charlie?

1. He will be acquitted

2. He will be found guilty of attempted murder

3. He will be found guilty of murdering Charlie

4. He will face no consequences

The correct answer is: He will be found guilty of murdering Charlie

The most likely outcome for Adam, who shot at Baker but accidentally killed Charlie, is that he will be found guilty of murdering Charlie due to the principle of transferred intent. In criminal law, transferred intent means that if a person intends to commit a crime against one individual but accidentally harms another, the intent to harm the intended victim still applies to the actual harm done to the unintended victim. Adam aimed to harm Baker, but through his actions, he caused the death of Charlie. The law typically recognizes that such actions can constitute murder, as Adam acted with intent, even if the victim was not the one he intended to harm. The prosecution would argue that Adam’s reckless disregard for life, exemplified by his act of shooting a firearm at another person, leads to serious legal consequences, such as a murder charge for Charlie's death. This understanding reflects the application of intent and culpability in criminal law, emphasizing that an individual can still be held responsible for wrongful actions that result in unintended consequences if those actions were intentional and reckless.