generalLatin origin
Sine Qua Non
/SIN-ay kwah NOHN/
Without which not — an indispensable condition without which something cannot exist or occur.
Full Definition
Sine qua non (Latin: 'without which not') identifies the essential condition. In criminal law, it is used in causation — was the accused's act the but-for cause of the result? If the result would not have occurred but for the accused's act, the act is the sine qua non of the result.
In Indian Law
Indian courts apply the sine qua non / but-for test for causation in Section 304A (negligent death) and related offences. In Kurban Hussein v. State of Maharashtra (1965), the Supreme Court applied causation analysis to culpable homicide.