Does Joanne have the intent necessary for an intentional tort after giving the wrong medication?

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The reason "No, she did not intend to cause harm" is the correct choice lies in the definition of intent in tort law, particularly for intentional torts. Intent, in this context, refers to the purpose or desire to bring about a specific consequence or the knowledge that such consequences are substantially certain to occur as a result of one's actions.

In the case of Joanne administering the wrong medication, her actions do not demonstrate an intention to inflict harm. Instead, the act resulted from a mistake or error. While the outcome was harmful, this does not equate to the level of intent required for an intentional tort. Intentional torts demand a specific mental state that is lacking in the scenario presented.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the legal definition of intent. Simply because harm ensued does not imply that the individual intended to cause it. The role of medical professionals does not automatically confer intent in scenarios involving accidental errors. Furthermore, categorizing the error as an accident clearly highlights the absence of intent, reinforcing the argument that intentional tort requirements are unmet in this situation.

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