What Is the Legal Definition of Homicide in Criminal Law?

Homicide refers to the unlawful killing of another person. In criminal law, homicide is classified into various categories based on intent, circumstances, and the mental state of the perpetrator at the time of the killing. The legal consequences vary depending on whether the homicide was premeditated, accidental, or justifiable.

Legal Definition of Homicide in Criminal Law

General Definition:

In its broadest sense, homicide refers to the act of one person causing the death of another. It is a general term used in criminal law that encompasses both legal and illegal killings. When homicide is unlawful, it typically refers to a criminal act.

Murder:

Murder is the most serious form of homicide and is typically defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought can mean either an intent to kill, an intent to inflict serious bodily harm, or an extreme disregard for human life. Murder is often divided into two degrees:

• First-degree murder: Usually involves premeditation and planning, such as when a person intentionally kills someone after thinking about it beforehand.
• Second-degree murder: This is generally a killing that occurs without premeditation but with an intentional act or extreme recklessness that leads to death.

Manslaughter:

Manslaughter is a less severe form of homicide, generally defined as the unlawful killing of another person without the malice required for murder. Manslaughter can be classified into:

• Voluntary manslaughter: A killing that occurs in the heat of passion or as a result of provocation, without the time to form intent to kill. It is often considered an intentional act that occurs suddenly or impulsively.
• Involuntary manslaughter: A killing that occurs without intent, typically as a result of recklessness or gross negligence (e.g., a fatal car accident caused by drunk driving).

Justifiable Homicide:

Not all killings are criminal. Justifiable homicide occurs when the killing is deemed lawful under the law. This typically applies in cases of self-defense, defense of others, or in situations where law enforcement officers use deadly force in the line of duty. The key elements in justifiable homicide include the absence of malice or criminal intent and the necessity to prevent harm to oneself or others.

Negligent Homicide:

Negligent homicide occurs when a person causes the death of another through gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, even though there may have been no intent to kill. This type of homicide is often charged in situations where a person’s actions were careless, such as in fatal accidents caused by reckless driving.

Felony Murder Rule:

The felony murder rule is a legal doctrine that allows a person to be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even if the death was unintentional. For example, if someone dies during the commission of a robbery, the defendant may be charged with first-degree felony murder, even if they did not intend to kill the victim.

Example

A person who plans and premeditates the murder of another by setting up a trap and causing the victim’s death would be charged with first-degree murder under the definition of homicide in criminal law due to the malice aforethought and deliberate intent. On the other hand, if someone kills in the heat of an argument, without planning, this may be classified as voluntary manslaughter, as the act occurred in a moment of intense passion rather than with criminal intent.