killings

Killings are acts that cause the death of a living being. The term is neutral and encompasses both lawful and unlawful acts, analyzed in legal and criminological contexts by considering intent, circumstances, and method. Not all killings are crimes; examples include self-defense, capital punishment in jurisdictions that permit it, euthanasia or physician-assisted death where legal, and killings in armed conflict.

Legally, homicide is the umbrella term for the killing of one person by another, with classifications based on intent and context. Murder typically involves malice aforethought or intent to kill. Manslaughter covers killings without such intent, often due to provocation or recklessness. Negligent homicide refers to deaths caused by gross negligence. Justifiable or excusable homicide includes killings sanctioned by law, such as self-defense or police use of force under proper protocols.

Different patterns and contexts of killings are recognized in criminology and international law. Serial killings describe multiple victims over a period by the same perpetrator; mass killings involve several victims in a single event; spree killings span multiple locations with little interval. In armed conflict, war killings and genocide are governed by international law and can constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. State-sanctioned killing, such as capital punishment, varies by country. Euthanasia and assisted suicide intersect with medical ethics and legal regimes, and remain contested in many jurisdictions.

Rates and prevention: homicide rates vary widely by country and over time, with higher levels often linked to conflict, inequality, and access to weapons. Prevention relies on effective policing, social and economic development, conflict resolution, and rule of law. Data are collected by national agencies and international bodies such as the UNODC and WHO.