Does The State Have To Prove Causation In Order To Convict Someone Of Murder?

The State must prove causation in order to secure a conviction for murder. To establish causation, the prosecutor must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt. The first element is that but for the defendant’s conduct, the victim would not have died. The second element is that the victim’s death must have been within the design or contemplation of the defendant. If the victim’s death was not, it must involve the same kind of injury or harm as that designed or contemplated by the defendant. In effect, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim’s death was not so unexpected or unusual that it would be unjust to find the defendant guilty of murder.