{"id":371858,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-voluntary-manslaughter-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-14T14:17:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T19:17:06","slug":"california-voluntary-manslaughter-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-voluntary-manslaughter-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Voluntary Manslaughter Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Voluntary Manslaughter Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Voluntary manslaughter in California happens when someone kills another person without planning to do it ahead of time, such as during a sudden fight or in the heat of the moment. According to California law, this can occur when someone is provoked and reacts violently right away without time to calm down. This lack of intent separates it from murder and is often used in court to reduce more serious charges.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

California law recognizes three kinds of manslaughter:<\/p>\r\n