Manslaughter: meaning, definitions and examples
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manslaughter
[ˈmanˌslôtər ]
Definitions
criminal law
The crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder.
Synonyms
culpable homicide, unpremeditated killing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| manslaughter |
Primarily used in legal contexts to describe the unlawful killing of a person without malice aforethought or premeditation. It is less severe than murder.
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| unpremeditated killing |
Used informally to describe a killing that occurs spontaneously without any prior planning or intention. This phrase is often used to discuss the nature of the act.
|
| culpable homicide |
Mostly used in legal contexts, especially in British and Indian law. It denotes an unlawful killing where the accused can be blamed but didn't intend for the death to occur.
|
Examples of usage
- His charge was reduced from murder to manslaughter due to lack of evidence for premeditation.
- She was convicted of manslaughter after hitting a pedestrian while driving under the influence.
general
The act of killing someone without intending to do so.
Synonyms
accidental killing, unintentional homicide.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| manslaughter |
This term is often used in legal contexts to describe the unlawful killing of a person without premeditation. It can be categorized into voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, depending on the specific circumstances.
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| accidental killing |
This phrase is commonly used in everyday language to refer to a killing that happens by accident, without any intent to harm. It can be used in both legal and casual discussions.
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| unintentional homicide |
This is a formal term often used in legal documents and discussions to describe a killing that occurs without the intent to kill. It is similar in meaning to manslaughter but emphasizes the lack of intent.
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Examples of usage
- The court determined that the death was accidental and ruled it as manslaughter.
- He was charged with manslaughter for causing the death of the victim in a car accident.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from old English, where 'man' referred to humans and 'slaughter' meant to kill.
- Originally, 'manslaughter' included various forms of killing and wasn't as strictly defined as today.
Legal Context
- There are two main types: voluntary and involuntary, differing based on intent and circumstances.
- In some places, manslaughter can carry a lighter sentence than murder, as it reflects accidental or less intentional harm.
Cultural Perspectives
- Some famous cases in history highlight the difference between law and morality in manslaughter convictions.
- Films and literature often depict the emotional turmoil faced by those accused of manslaughter, focusing on themes of guilt and redemption.
Psychology
- Research shows that stress or traumatic events can lead to reckless actions resulting in manslaughter.
- The psychology behind a moment of crisis might evoke actions that are not aligned with a person’s usual character.
Public Awareness
- Awareness campaigns often focus on the consequences of reckless driving to prevent accidental manslaughter.
- Manslaughter cases frequently raise conversations about justice, rehabilitation, and public safety in communities.
Translations
Translations of the word "manslaughter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 homicídio culposo
🇮🇳 गैर-इरादतन हत्या
🇩🇪 Totschlag
🇮🇩 pembunuhan tidak disengaja
🇺🇦 ненавмисне вбивство
🇵🇱 nieumyślne spowodowanie śmierci
🇯🇵 過失致死
🇫🇷 homicide involontaire
🇪🇸 homicidio involuntario
🇹🇷 taksirle adam öldürme
🇰🇷 과실치사
🇸🇦 القتل غير العمد
🇨🇿 usmrcení z nedbalosti
🇸🇰 usmrtenie z nedbanlivosti
🇨🇳 过失杀人
🇸🇮 nenamerni uboj
🇮🇸 manndráp af gáleysi
🇰🇿 абайсызда кісі өлтіру
🇬🇪 გაუფრთხილებლობით მკვლელობა
🇦🇿 ehtiyatsızlıqdan adam öldürmə
🇲🇽 homicidio involuntario