{"id":352179,"date":"2023-10-02T18:45:45","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T23:45:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/voluntary-manslaughter-overview.html"},"modified":"2023-10-02T18:45:45","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T23:45:45","slug":"voluntary-manslaughter-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/voluntary-manslaughter-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Voluntary Manslaughter Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Voluntary Manslaughter Overview<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Unlike murder, voluntary manslaughter lacks premeditation and is often triggered by sudden emotional disturbance. The legal definition and penalties vary by state, making it distinct from involuntary manslaughter, which typically involves unintentional deaths caused by recklessness or negligence.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most people think of voluntary manslaughter as an intentional killing that occurs when a person takes a human life while in the “heat of passion.” Standard definitions say the person who commits voluntary manslaughter did not intend to kill.<\/p>\n

Instead, the person reacted to circumstances immediately before the killing. Those circumstances would cause a reasonable person to become emotionally agitated or mentally disturbed. Such circumstances are often called “sufficient provocation.” Otherwise, the state may charge the crime as a first-degree<\/a> or second-degree<\/a> murder.<\/p>\n

Voluntary manslaughter is a separate concept from involuntary manslaughter<\/a>. It has several definitions depending on the state law at issue. Involuntary manslaughter happens when someone dies due to the defendant’s non-felonious illegal act. It may also happen due to the defendant’s irresponsibility or recklessness.<\/p>\n

This article explains voluntary manslaughter charges. Learn about:<\/p>\n