What occurs under the doctrine of transferred intent?

Under the doctrine of transferred intent, the principle is that an individual's intent to harm one victim can be legally transferred to the actual victim who is harmed, even if it was not the intended target. This doctrine is primarily applied in cases involving crimes such as assault or battery, where the perpetrator's intent to injure one person inadvertently results in the injury of another person.

For example, if a person throws a rock intending to hit someone but accidentally strikes a different person, the original intent to harm is considered to have "transferred" to the unintended victim. The law holds the perpetrator accountable for the harm caused to the actual victim, recognizing that the intent to cause harm exists regardless of the specific individual who is harmed.

This concept allows for justice to be served, as it ensures that the defendant cannot escape liability simply because their action inadvertently resulted in unintended consequences.