Involuntary Manslaughter

Criminal Law: Crimes Against the Person: Manslaughter Involuntary Manslaughter

Introduction to Involuntary Manslaughter

Generally deemed a less serious crime than voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter involves unintended killings that do, however, involve some degree of fault. Reckless manslaughter, a counterpart of depraved-heart murder, exists when a person acts in a reckless or wanton manner and thereby causes the death of another person. Accidentally hitting and killing a pedestrian while driving a car recklessly or accidentally shooting someone to death while carelessly handling a revolver are examples of this type of involuntary manslaughter. Misdemeanor manslaughter, a counterpart of felony murder, exists when death occurs during the commission of a misdemeanor-such as when a person runs a red light, hitting and killing a pedestrian crossing the street.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Involuntary Manslaughter in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Involuntary Manslaughter

In this Section

Crimes Against the Person (including Murder, Manslaughter, Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Assault and Battery, Forcible and Statutory Rape and Kidnapping)