manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.

Recent Examples on the Web

The second-degree manslaughter charge only requires prosecutors to prove Penny acted recklessly, not intentionally, according to prosecutors. MORE: Who is Jordan Neely, the man killed in NYC subway chokehold death? —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024

The brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents almost 30 years ago, will attend a Monday morning hearing at the Van Nuys Courthouse West for a petition filed by their attorneys that seeks to downgrade their conviction from first-degree murder to a lesser charge, such as manslaughter. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024

Robert McKay, 32, of Florence, pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree manslaughter in connection with 38-year-old Joseph Richter Jr.'s shooting death during a December 2022 struggle at the Brass Bull on Monmouth Street, according to his attorney, Michael Goodwin. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 20 Nov. 2024

Baldwin was put on trial for manslaughter in July, but a judge dismissed the case due to the prosecution’s failure to turn over evidence to the defense. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the slaying of a human being

specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder

— involuntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

— misdemeanor-manslaughter

: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder

— voluntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.