The doctrine of transferred intent applies to which type of law?

The doctrine of transferred intent is a legal concept that primarily applies within tort law, which is a subset of civil law. This doctrine emerges when a person intends to commit harm against one individual but inadvertently causes harm to a different individual instead. For example, if someone throws a rock intending to hit one person but accidentally strikes another, the intent to harm is transferred to the actual victim.

While the question includes options that mention both civil and criminal law, the essence of transferred intent is most relevant in the context of torts, which are a part of civil law. It does not typically apply in criminal law cases, where the focus is on the mindset and intent regarding the specific crime committed against a designated victim.

This means that even though the doctrine is primarily seen in tort cases, its principle can be discussed in the broader realm of civil law, making it applicable to civil law as well. Therefore, the most fitting answer acknowledges the dual aspects of civil law and its more specific application within tort scenarios without it being strictly limited to criminal law or only targeting tort law.