VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER Meaning and
Definition
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Voluntary manslaughter is a legal term used to describe a criminal offense where an individual unlawfully causes the death of another person, but without the intent to kill or with mitigating circumstances that reduce it from being classified as murder. It is considered less severe than murder, but still involves the intentional act of taking someone's life.
In this context, "voluntary" refers to the act being intentional or deliberate as opposed to accidental or involuntary. What distinguishes voluntary manslaughter from murder is the presence of "heat of passion" or "adequate provocation." This means that the offender was emotionally or mentally provoked to react violently, resulting in the death of another person. The provocation could be such that a reasonable person would also have acted similarly in the same situation.
The concept of voluntary manslaughter is widely recognized in various legal systems around the world, though specific definitions and requirements may vary. Penalties for voluntary manslaughter differ by jurisdiction but typically carry a lesser punishment than murder. Individuals convicted of voluntary manslaughter often face significant prison sentences, fines, or other forms of legal consequences.
Overall, voluntary manslaughter allows for a differentiated approach in criminal law, acknowledging that not all unlawful killings are premeditated and intended to cause death, but may instead arise from a temporary lapse in control due to emotional or mental factors.
Common Misspellings for VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
- coluntary manslaughter
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- volubtary manslaughter
Etymology of VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
The word "voluntary manslaughter" is derived from Middle English and Latin origins.
The term "voluntary" comes from the Latin word "voluntarius", which means "of one's own free will" or "willingly". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "voluntas" meaning "will" or "desire". In the context of manslaughter, "voluntary" refers to the act being intentional or committed with intent but without premeditation.
The word "manslaughter" combines the Middle English word "manslauhtre" (from "man" meaning "human" and "slauhtre" meaning "killing") with the Old English word "man" (meaning "person") and the verb "slēan" (meaning "to strike" or "to kill").
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