Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: Misdemeanor manslaughter is when someone unintentionally causes the death of another person while committing a misdemeanor, which is a less serious crime than a felony. It is still considered a form of manslaughter, which is the unlawful killing of a person without planning or intent to do so.
Misdemeanor manslaughter is a type of manslaughter, which is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. This means that the person did not intend to kill someone, but their actions resulted in someone's death.
For example, if someone is driving under the influence of alcohol and causes a fatal accident, they could be charged with misdemeanor manslaughter. Another example is if someone is playing with a gun and accidentally shoots and kills someone.
These examples illustrate the definition of misdemeanor manslaughter because in both cases, the person did not intend to kill someone, but their reckless or negligent actions resulted in someone's death.