Legal Dictionary
Manslaughter
Definition
The crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder.
Deep Dive
Manslaughter is a category of homicide, defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. This crucial distinction separates it from murder, which requires a pre-existing intent to kill or a reckless disregard for human life demonstrating extreme indifference. Manslaughter typically arises from circumstances that either negate premeditation and intent, such as a sudden fit of rage, or involve gross negligence that leads to death.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A person kills their spouse in a sudden, intense fit of anger after discovering an infidelity, without prior planning.
- 2A driver causes a fatal accident due to grossly negligent or reckless driving, leading to the death of another person.
- 3A bouncer accidentally causes a patron's death during an altercation outside a bar, using excessive force without intent to kill.
Related Terms
HomicideMurderNegligence