Although many people use the terms homicide and manslaughter interchangeably, they are two separate things. Knowing their difference and each term’s meaning is important in navigating criminal law. Read on to learn what is the difference between homicide and manslaughter.
Homicide
Homicide is a general term referring to the act of killing another person. The act may be considered to be a crime or not based on the circumstances that led to the killing. Criminal homicide involves killings that are not justifiable by law. On the other hand, non-criminal homicide comprises killings justifiable by law. Common forms of non-crime homicide include killing under automatism, self-defense, war and defense of infancy.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a legal term used to describe the killing of another person. Manslaughter has two broad categories, namely voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter involves killing another person with malicious intent. A Santa Fe homicide attorney would use a defense similar to that of homicide.
Involuntary manslaughter involves killing without malicious intent. The involuntary form can be constructive manslaughter, which involves doing something unlawful that leads to the death of another person, or negligent manslaughter, which comprises abandoning a duty that results in the killing.
Call For More Details
Mark Diaz & Associates is a law firm that has been defending the rights of people in Texas since 2004. Mark Diaz, a Santa Fe homicide attorney with advanced training and a wealth of experience in dealing with criminal cases, heads the firm. Contact Mark Diaz & Associates for more information about what is the difference between homicide and manslaughter.
