involuntary manslaughter

In one sentence

Causing someone's death without intent to kill, through reckless or negligent conduct.

Plain English

Involuntary manslaughter is when someone dies as a result of the defendant's actions, but the defendant didn't mean to kill them and didn't intend to cause serious harm. Instead, the death results from recklessness (taking a serious risk) or criminal negligence (failing to follow a legal duty). It's less serious than murder because there's no intent to kill, but more serious than a simple accident because the defendant's conduct was dangerously irresponsible.

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Example

A driver who is texting while driving and hits a pedestrian, killing them, can be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The driver didn't intend to kill anyone, but the reckless act of texting while driving caused the death.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after his negligent operation of heavy machinery resulted in a coworker's death.”

Related terms

intent

The defendant's conscious purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause a particular result.

Duress

Forcing someone to sign a contract through threats or coercion.

Mitigation

A duty to reduce or minimize losses caused by the other party's breach.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The highest standard of proof required to convict a defendant in a criminal trial.

Mental Incapacity

Lacking the mental ability to understand a contract's nature, terms, or consequences.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.