term:

Foreseeability

foreseeability n

1 : the quality or state of being foreseeable [reasonable of probable consequences "Gerwin v. Southeastern Cal. Ass'n of Seventh Day Adventists, 14 Cal. App. 3d 209 (1971)"]
2 : the doctrine esp. of tort and contract law that liability is limited to losses that are foreseeable see also Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co. in the Important Cases section

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.