R v Jordan [1956]

R v Jordan [1956] 40 Cr App R 152 is a notable English criminal law case that established the principle that in certain situations of medical negligence following a wounding, the chain of causation can be broken, relieving the person who inflicted bodily harm of guilt for a more severe offence such as homicide. This concept is often referred to as a novus actus interveniens.

The appellant and three others, all serving members of the United States Airforce, were involved in a disturbance at a café in Hull. The appellant stabbed a man named Beaumont, who was then admitted to the hospital. The defence conceded that the appellant had stabbed Beaumont, but they later uncovered medical evidence not available at trial. The appeal was based on the argument that the medical treatment received by the victim was so negligent that it broke the appellant's liability.

In the judgment of Hallett J, acting as a judge of the Court of Appeal, it was acknowledged that the victim's death was not consequent upon the wound inflicted. The fresh medical evidence revealed that the stab wound had mostly healed, and the administration of an antibiotic, terramycin, resulted in complications due to the patient's intolerance to the drug.

The court held that ordinarily, circumstances and medical treatment following serious bodily harm are not relevant in establishing a defendant's liability. However, if the original wound or injury caused by the defendant is still an operating cause of death, negligent medical treatment will not constitute a novus actus interveniens.

In this case, the court found that the defendant's liability was broken because the original wound had mostly healed, and further medical treatment was deemed palpably wrong. The court concluded that a reasonable jury would not be satisfied that the defendant's acts were the material cause of the victim's death. As a result, the conviction was quashed, and the defendant was not held liable for the more severe charge of homicide.

This case illustrates the importance of considering the specific facts and medical circumstances in determining causation and criminal liability in cases involving injuries followed by medical treatment.
Back to blog
UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

Get ready for the SQE1 with high-performance SQE Study Guides developed by UOLLB and published by UOL Press to revolutionise your study method and exam strategy.

Turbocharge SQE Performance Here

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding.
Speed up your revision with us now👇

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.