What does transferred intent refer to?

Transferred intent is a legal doctrine that applies in situations where a person intends to commit an unlawful act against one individual but inadvertently causes harm to a different person. This concept is important in criminal law because it recognizes that the intention to commit a crime does not need to be directed at the ultimate victim for liability to attach. For example, if someone aims a weapon at one person intending to shoot them but accidentally hits another, they can still be held liable for the harm done to the unintended victim based on their initial intent to commit the crime.

In contrast, the other options discuss different aspects of intent or actions that do not capture the essence of transferred intent. The notion of intent changing during a crime, establishing intent for future acts, or premeditated intention does not pertain to the principle where the intended victim is different from the actual victim harmed. Thus, understanding transferred intent is crucial for applying legal principles effectively in cases involving unintended harm resulting from a deliberate act.