Manslaughter

Manslaughter, sometimes called criminally negligent homicide, is a kind of homicide wherein a person causes the death of another through negligence or recklessness (not recognized in Australia) or where a person intentionally kills another but is not liable for murder because he is able to avail himself of a defense, such as insanity or diminished capacity.

Misdemeanor manslaughter

Misdemeanor manslaughter is a category recognized in some jurisdictions, which is like a lesser version of felony murder. In such jurisdictions, a person who causes the death of another while committing a misdemeanor - a violation of the law that does not rise to the level of a felony - may automatically be criminally liable for the death, if the misdemeanor involved a law designed to protect human life. Many safety laws are strict liability, meaning that a person can be convicted regardless of mens rea. Vehicular manslaughter is a kind of misdemeanor manslaughter, which holds persons liable for any death that occurs because of a violation of traffic safety laws.

Related Topics:
Felony murder - Misdemeanor - Strict liability

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~