{"id":372419,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-manslaughter-law.html"},"modified":"2025-07-14T15:24:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T20:24:56","slug":"delaware-manslaughter-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-manslaughter-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Delaware Manslaughter Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Delaware Manslaughter Law<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being without malice aforethought. The state doesn’t have to prove the defendant intended to harm or kill the victim. This is the primary difference between manslaughter and murder. In a murder case, the prosecutor must demonstrate that the defendant intended to kill or maim their victim.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains Delaware\u2019s manslaughter laws, including the penalties and defenses. It also examines the mitigating factors<\/a> a criminal defense attorney<\/a> can raise to convince the state to reduce or dismiss the charges.<\/p>\r\n

Homicide and Delaware Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Homicide is the act of taking a human life, regardless of intent. Every state has specific laws that outline the different types of homicide. For example, under Delaware law, you can be guilty of homicide if your negligent driving causes the death of another person.<\/p>\r\n

In the state of Delaware, there are six types of homicide<\/a>. These include:<\/p>\r\n