Would drug intoxication be considered a "pre-existing condition" for the thin skull rule

Question

The Thin Skull Rule, also known as Eggshell Skull Doctrine states that the unexpected vulnerability of an injured person is not a valid defense to the seriousness of any injury caused to them.

In the Derek Chauvin trial regarding the death of George Floyd, the defense argues that the levels of fentanyl in George Floyd's blood contributed to the hypoxia of which he died.

If it is true that the fentanyl was a contributing factor, would this be a valid argument, or would the drug intoxication be considered a pre-existing condition, therefore applying the Thin Skull Rule?

Answer 1

The Thin Skull Rule is a doctrine of tort law in a lawsuit to recover damages.

The Derek Chauvin trial regarding the death of George Floyd is a criminal trial, and so the Thin Skull Rule is not applicable. The issues are causation and intent within the meaning of the relevant state criminal statute.

Answer 2

Chauvin committed the felony of strangling Floyd. Floyd died as a consequence of the felony, and death as a result of a felony is 2nd degree murder in that state.

It doesn’t matter whether Chauvin intended to kill Floyd, and whether Floyd had a condition that made death more likely, all that mattered was death called by a felony. There have been convictions when two armed men tried to rob a bank (felony) and one was shot by a police officer (death caused by the felony of bank robbery).

And in a criminal case, “thin skull” is not a defense anyway. You have to take your victims as they come.