What does "Novus Actus Interveniens" refer to in legal terms?

"Novus Actus Interveniens," a Latin term meaning "new intervening act," is pivotal in tort law concerning causation. This concept refers specifically to an intervening act that occurs after the original event, which can break the chain of causation leading to a particular outcome. For example, if a person suffers injuries due to the actions of another, but later an unforeseen event occurs (such as a natural disaster) that significantly contributes to the harm, this new event may be deemed to sever the legal responsibility of the initial actor.

The significance of this doctrine is that it helps to determine liability by recognizing that not all subsequent actions will be legally relevant. If the intervening act is deemed sufficient and unforeseeable, it can absolve the original party from liability, illustrating how crucial the link of causation is in legal cases. Thus, in this context, the statement accurately describes how a "novus actus interveniens" affects legal responsibilities and the outcome of tort cases.