What is the term for an intentional act that harms an unintended victim?

The term that describes an intentional act that harms an unintended victim is transferred intent. This legal concept occurs when an individual intends to harm one person but unintentionally causes harm to another individual. In these situations, the law recognizes the intent to harm the original target—even if the actual harm is inflicted on someone else. This principle is often applied in tort law and criminal law, reinforcing the idea that the aggressor can still be held liable for the unintended consequences resulting from their actions.

Understanding transferred intent is essential, particularly in legal contexts where the specific intent of the perpetrator can be crucial in determining accountability.

Collateral damage typically refers to unintended damage to non-target entities during military actions or similar scenarios and doesn't directly relate to individual criminal acts. Negligence involves failing to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise, which does not cover intentional actions. Criminal intent denotes the mental state accompanying criminal behavior but doesn't specifically address the outcome of harming someone unintended. These distinctions clarify why transferred intent is the correct choice in this context.