{"id":374040,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-voluntary-manslaughter-law.html"},"modified":"2025-05-14T14:45:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T19:45:26","slug":"massachusetts-voluntary-manslaughter-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-voluntary-manslaughter-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Voluntary Manslaughter Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Voluntary Manslaughter Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, 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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Voluntary manslaughter in Massachusetts involves intentionally killing someone without planning it, often during a heated moment. This crime differs from murder because there is no prior intent to kill. Defendants react under strong emotions like fear or immediate provocation. If the provocation is reasonable and the reaction is immediate, the charge may be voluntary manslaughter instead of murder. Massachusetts takes these cases seriously, with penalties including up to 20 years in prison.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Every state has specific laws pertaining to murder and manslaughter<\/a>. The primary difference between these two crimes is that the crime of murder requires the intent to kill or cause serious bodily injury, while manslaughter does not.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts law divides the crime of manslaughter into voluntary manslaughter<\/a> and involuntary manslaughter<\/a>. Voluntary manslaughter involves the intentional killing of another human being without malice aforethought or premeditation. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant\u2019s negligence or reckless conduct causes the death of another person.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain Massachusetts\u2019 voluntary manslaughter laws, including the legal definition of this crime and the criminal penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Definition of Voluntary Manslaughter Under Massachusetts Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

According to the criminal laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being during the heat of passion<\/a> or under adequate provocation.<\/p>\r\n

In a typical voluntary manslaughter case, the defendant did not plan the death of the victim. While they intentionally engage in the act that causes the victim\u2019s death, there are mitigating factor<\/a>s that justify or explain why they killed them.<\/p>\r\n

These mitigating circumstances can include:<\/p>\r\n