GLOSSARY
Manslaughter definition
What does Manslaughter mean?
All unlawful killings which are not murder are manslaughter
A person is guilty of manslaughter where he unlawfully kills any person but is not guilty of murder due to the partial defences of diminished responsibility, sudden loss of self control (which replaces provocation). A person is also guilty of manslaughter where he kills any person by an unlawful act (ie an act that constitutes a criminal offence in its own right), or by gross negligence. There are related offences of: causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult; infanticide; child destruction; abortion; and corporate manslaughter. There are special offences of homicide involving motor vehicles; eg causing death by dangerous driving.
Speed up all aspects of your legal work with tools that help you to work faster and smarter. Win cases, close deals and grow your business–all whilst saving time and reducing risk.
For our full legal glossary and more legal research sources, register for a free Lexis+ trial