What does 'transfer of malice' refer to in legal context?

In legal terms, 'transfer of malice' refers to the principle that if an individual has the intention to harm one person but accidentally harms another, the malicious intent to harm the original target can be applied to the harm caused to the unintended victim. This doctrine is particularly pertinent in criminal law, as it allows for liability even when the harm was not directed at the actual victim.

For example, if someone intends to shoot person A but accidentally hits person B instead, the malice and intent to harm person A can be transferred to person B, making the shooter liable for the harm to B. This principle supports the idea that intention in the act of committing an offense carries through, regardless of the intended target of that malice.