In general, we don’t punish people purely for actions. For most crimes, having the appropriate criminal intent is a required component of the crime. No mens rea, no crime. That’s why we don’t prosecute people who have a stroke and lose control of their car for vehicular assault.
I think the tumor case is analogous—the tumor was an unexpected factor, not caused in any direct way by the perpetrator’s prior choices or beliefs.
In general, we don’t punish people purely for actions. For most crimes, having the appropriate criminal intent is a required component of the crime. No mens rea, no crime. That’s why we don’t prosecute people who have a stroke and lose control of their car for vehicular assault.
I think the tumor case is analogous—the tumor was an unexpected factor, not caused in any direct way by the perpetrator’s prior choices or beliefs.