Homicide

Homicide is the act of one person killing another. In law, it is a broad term that encompasses all killings, whether lawful or unlawful. Homicide may be criminal, such as murder or manslaughter, or noncriminal, such as a justified or excusable killing or a death caused accidentally in self-defense or during the commission of a crime.

In criminal law, homicide generally requires the unlawful killing of a human being by another, with a mental state that qualifies as criminal intent or recklessness. The exact definitions and penalties vary by jurisdiction, but most systems distinguish between degrees or grades of homicide based on intent, premeditation, provocation, and circumstance.

Common classifications include murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. Murder typically involves intentional killing, with first-degree murder covering premeditation or aggravating factors, and second-degree murder covering intent without premeditation. Voluntary manslaughter refers to an intentional killing in the heat of passion with adequate provocation, while involuntary manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide cover killings caused by recklessness or negligence without intent to kill.

Justifications and defenses can remove criminal liability, such as self-defense or necessity in some cases. Some jurisdictions recognize corporate or negligent homicide in cases where a death results from organizational failures or gross negligence.

Homicide statistics are collected by national crime reports and international agencies. Rates vary widely by country and over time, reflecting differences in law enforcement, social conditions, and reporting practices.