Legal Definitions - misdemeanor-manslaughter rule

The misdemeanor-manslaughter rule is a legal principle that states if a person dies during the commission of a minor crime (a misdemeanor) or sometimes a less serious, non-dangerous felony, the person committing the crime can be charged with involuntary manslaughter. This rule essentially holds individuals responsible for an unintended death that occurs while they are engaged in an unlawful act, even if that act was not inherently dangerous or intended to cause serious harm. It's important to note that many legal jurisdictions and modern legal codes have either significantly limited or completely abolished this rule due to concerns about its fairness and broad application.

• Example 1: Minor Traffic Infraction
  Imagine a driver operating a vehicle with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor. While driving, they become distracted by something inside their car and accidentally swerve, hitting a pedestrian who tragically dies. Even though the driver did not intend to hit anyone, and the suspended license itself didn't directly cause the accident, the misdemeanor-manslaughter rule could potentially be applied. Because a death occurred while the driver was committing the misdemeanor of driving with a suspended license, the driver might be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

• Example 2: Unlicensed Activity
  Consider a contractor who undertakes a small home renovation project without the necessary professional license, which is a misdemeanor in their state. During the renovation, a structural component unexpectedly collapses due to faulty work, leading to the death of a worker. Although the contractor did not intend for anyone to be harmed, and the lack of a license wasn't the direct cause of the collapse, the misdemeanor-manslaughter rule might be invoked. The death occurred during the commission of the misdemeanor (unlicensed contracting), potentially making the contractor liable for involuntary manslaughter.

• Example 3: Minor Altercation
  Suppose two neighbors get into a heated argument over a property line, which escalates into a minor physical scuffle, classified as simple assault (a misdemeanor). During the brief struggle, one neighbor unexpectedly trips, falls backward, hits their head on a hard surface, and dies from the injury. Even though neither party intended serious harm or death, the misdemeanor-manslaughter rule could be applied. Since a death occurred during the commission of the misdemeanor of simple assault, the surviving neighbor might face charges of involuntary manslaughter.