Which is the two-part concept that defines causation in negligence?

• A. Direct cause and proximate cause
• B. Duty and breach
• C. Damages and punitive damages
• D. Cause and effect

Answer: (A)

Causation in negligence rests on two linked factors: the actual (direct) cause and the proximate cause. The actual cause shows that the harm would not have occurred but for the defendant’s breach—this is the factual connection. The proximate cause handles the legal connection, asking whether the harm was a foreseeable consequence of the breach and not too remote or unexpected, which limits liability. The other options mix negligence elements (duty and breach) or refer to damages, or use a broad phrase that doesn’t capture the legal test. So the two-part concept that defines causation is the direct (actual) cause together with the proximate cause.