7.4.6.4 - Checklist: Recklessly Causing Injury (Pre 1/7/13)

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Four elements the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt:

1. The complainant suffered an injury; and
2. The accused caused the complainant’s injury; and
3. The accused knew that his/her acts would probably injure the complainant; and
4. The accused acted without lawful justification or excuse.

   Injury

1. Did the complainant suffer an injury?

Consider – Injury includes unconsciousness, hysteria, pain and any substantial impairment of bodily function

If Yes, then go to 2

If No, then the accused is not guilty of Recklessly Causing Injury

Causation

2. Did the accused cause the complainant’s injury?

Consider – Were the accused’s actions a substantial or significant cause of the complainant’s injury

If Yes, then go to 3

 If No, then the accused is not guilty of Recklessly Causing Injury

Intention

3. Was the accused aware that his/her conduct would probably injure the complainant?

If Yes, then go to 4

If No, then the accused is not guilty of Recklessly Causing Injury

Lawful Justification or Excuse

4. Did the accused act without lawful justification or excuse?

If Yes, then the accused is guilty of Recklessly Causing Injury
(as long as you have also answered Yes to questions 1, 2 and 3)

If No, then the accused is not guilty of Recklessly Causing Injury

Last updated: 1 July 2013