Manslaughter

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. In common law and many statutory systems, it is distinguished from murder by the absence of deliberate intent to kill or to cause serious harm. The classification affects elements of intent and sentencing, and jurisdictions vary in their definitions and terminology.

Voluntary manslaughter refers to killings where the defendant intentionally causes death but under circumstances that mitigate culpability. Typical grounds include adequate provocation that would arouse a reasonable person to lose self-control (heat of passion) and, in some jurisdictions, imperfect self-defense where the defender reasonably but mistakenly believed deadly force was necessary.

Involuntary manslaughter covers killings that are unintentional or occur through reckless or criminally negligent conduct. For example, a person who drives recklessly and causes a fatal crash, or someone who commits a nonviolent illegal act that results in death. Some systems also classify vehicular homicide as a form of involuntary manslaughter.

Elements commonly required include a death, causation linking the defendant’s act to the death, and absence of lawful justification. In voluntary manslaughter, the mental state involves diminished or excused culpability rather than malice. Involuntary manslaughter emphasizes recklessness or negligence rather than intent.

Penalties for manslaughter are generally lighter than for murder but can still be severe, including substantial prison terms, fines, or probation. The exact offense name, definitions, and sentencing ranges depend on the jurisdiction.