Facts
The threw a lighted squib into a market. It was thrown on by others in self-protection and exploded in the claimant's face.
Issue
Did the instinctive acts of the others break the chain?
Held
No. Their acts were involuntary, so the original thrower was liable.
Principle
Involuntary or instinctive acts of third parties do not break the .
Why it matters
Classic case on intervening acts.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Scott v Shepherd (1773) 2 Wm Bl 892 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/scott-v-shepherd> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.