What is the Difference Between Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter?

The main difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter lies in the intent behind the crime. Both are forms of homicide, but voluntary manslaughter involves a deliberate intent to harm or kill, while involuntary manslaughter occurs due to negligence or unintentional actions. Here are the key differences:

• Voluntary Manslaughter: This is the intentional killing of another person in the heat of passion and in response to adequate provocation. It is often described as a crime of passion and is considered a lesser offense than murder. Examples of voluntary manslaughter include a person who unintentionally kills someone during an attempted robbery or after being provoked by the victim.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: This is the negligent causing of the death of another person. It can occur during criminally negligent manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter cases. Criminally negligent manslaughter involves an omission to act when there is a duty to do so, which leads to death. Vehicular manslaughter, on the other hand, is the killing of another person while operating a motor vehicle with gross negligence or while committing a traffic violation.

Both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are lesser-included offenses of first and second-degree murder. The penalties for being convicted of involuntary manslaughter may vary slightly depending on the circumstances, but it is generally considered a fourth-degree felony and carries a lesser sentence than voluntary manslaughter, which is a third-degree felony.

Comparative Table: Voluntary vs Involuntary Manslaughter

The main difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter lies in the intent of the person who committed the crime. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are considered lesser-included offenses of first and second-degree murder. In some jurisdictions, voluntary manslaughter is classified as a Class D felony, while involuntary manslaughter is classified as a Class F felony.