Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: common error
Manslaughter is when someone causes the death of another person, but it is not as bad as murder. There are two types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter is when someone kills another person in the heat of the moment because they were provoked. Involuntary manslaughter is when someone accidentally causes the death of another person. Sometimes, if someone kills another person because they were very upset or disturbed, it can also be considered manslaughter.
Manslaughter is a type of killing that is less serious than murder. It is the act of killing another person without intending to do so or without planning it in advance.
There are two types of manslaughter:
Under the Model Penal Code, manslaughter can also include homicide that would be murder, but is committed under extreme emotional or mental distress for which there is a reasonable explanation or excuse.
Here are some examples of manslaughter:
These examples illustrate how manslaughter can occur without the intent to kill. In each case, the person did not plan to cause the death of another person, but their actions resulted in someone's death.