Introduction Two words that are commonly confused are manslaughter and murder. Many believe they are one in the same; however this is not the case. These two terms actually differ greatly. Those who are not familiar with criminal justice, though, understandably get them confused. The key word when deciphering between murder and manslaughter is intent. Although intent is needed in both, the placement of the intent is the question. One may intend to cause physical harm, but not kill; on the other hand, one may intend to kill. These are the types of conclusions that must be drawn to understand the difference (Homicide, Murder, & Manslaughter, 2016).
What is Murder? This term is often used out of context. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing …show more content…
Why? She was texting and driving, which she knew was wrong, had accidently steered off the road and when she swerved to come back on the road she struck and killed a seventy- two year old lady heading the opposite direction. Obviously, the new driver had no intentions on killing the other driver; however, her reckless act caused the death of the other driver. Whether she intended to kill or not, she did, and she was responsible. Since she had no intentions, she was charged with involuntary manslaughter (Teen Charged With Manslaughter in Texting While Driving Case, …show more content…
When stuck pondering whether a crime would be classified as murder or manslaughter these are the key points to take into consideration. Murder is more severe and usually there is an intent to kill, as opposed to manslaughter. Murder can be categorized into two groups, first and second degree murder. Of these two, first degree murder is the most serious. First degree murder involves intent and premeditation. Second degree murder, though, is an impulse or “heat of the moment” crime. Although the offender knows what he or she is doing is wrong, and may have intended harm—they did not intend to kill. Manslaughter can also be divided into two groups—involuntary and voluntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter is an accidental killing. These are the instances where the offender knows the actions taken could escalate to death, but they have no intention to kill. Voluntary manslaughter is having the knowledge that the actions taken are wrong and could intensify, but not intentionally
What is Murder? This term is often used out of context. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing …show more content…
Why? She was texting and driving, which she knew was wrong, had accidently steered off the road and when she swerved to come back on the road she struck and killed a seventy- two year old lady heading the opposite direction. Obviously, the new driver had no intentions on killing the other driver; however, her reckless act caused the death of the other driver. Whether she intended to kill or not, she did, and she was responsible. Since she had no intentions, she was charged with involuntary manslaughter (Teen Charged With Manslaughter in Texting While Driving Case, …show more content…
When stuck pondering whether a crime would be classified as murder or manslaughter these are the key points to take into consideration. Murder is more severe and usually there is an intent to kill, as opposed to manslaughter. Murder can be categorized into two groups, first and second degree murder. Of these two, first degree murder is the most serious. First degree murder involves intent and premeditation. Second degree murder, though, is an impulse or “heat of the moment” crime. Although the offender knows what he or she is doing is wrong, and may have intended harm—they did not intend to kill. Manslaughter can also be divided into two groups—involuntary and voluntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter is an accidental killing. These are the instances where the offender knows the actions taken could escalate to death, but they have no intention to kill. Voluntary manslaughter is having the knowledge that the actions taken are wrong and could intensify, but not intentionally