Criminal homicide is the purposeful, knowing, reckless, or negligent killing of another person. If the killing of another person is done while carrying out a sentence of capital punishment (death penalty), is done in war, is done in self-defense, or is done because it is the only way to restrain or capture an escaping felon, it is homicide, but it is not a crime. Criminal homicide is divided into three categories: murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. Murder is the most serious form of criminal homicide. Voluntary manslaughter is less serious than murder and more serious than involuntary manslaughter. Max has been sentenced to die by lethal injection. At the time that his sentence is to be carried out, Jay is the person who inserts the poison into Max’s arm, causing his death. Has Jay committed an act of homicide? Write two or three sentences for your answer.

*The killing of one human being by another Homicide* *The killing of one human being by another

Criminal Homicide Killing done with malice Having the intent to kill or seriously harm another person or acting in an extremely reckless manner

First-Degree Murder Killing that is premeditated, intentional, and done with malice. Examples: Sandy Hook School Massacre JFK assassination Typical sentence: Life w/o parole Death 20-60 years in prison

Felony Murder Any killing that takes place during a felony, such as arson, rape, robbery, or burglary. Usually charged as first-degree murder Examples: Burning a building down, not knowing people were inside Lending your car to a bank robber, who kills a person during the bank robbery

Second-Degree Murder Typical sentence: 10-25 years in prison Killing done with intentionally, with malice, but without premeditation. Killer has full understanding of their actions Examples: Shooting someone during an argument A bar fight that results in death Scott Peterson’s killing of his wife, unintentionally killing the unborn child Typical sentence: 10-25 years in prison

Voluntary Manslaughter (“Heat of Passion”) Killing that would otherwise be murder, but that occurs after the victim has done something to the killer that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control Examples: A wife killing her husband’s mistress after the husband confesses Father killing his son’s abuser Typical Sentence: 4-10 years.

Involuntary Manslaughter Killing in which there is no intent to kill at all Results from conduct so reckless that is causes extreme danger of death or bodily injury Examples: Playing with a gun and accidentally shooting & killing a friend Killing the passenger of a car while traveling 70mph around a twisting mountain road Typical Sentence: Up to 3 years

Negligent Homicide Causing death through criminal negligence Examples: Negligence: failure to use reasonable care Examples: Vehicular homicide Typical Sentence: Up to 4 years

Noncriminal Homicide Homicides that are “excusable” or “justifiable” Killer is faultless Examples: Killing of an enemy soldier in war An executioner putting a prisoner to death Killing of a dangerous criminal by a police officer

Suicide Suicide once considered a crime Courts today treat attempted suicide as plea for help Require psychological examination & treatment Someone who helps another commit suicide can be found guilty of murder or manslaughter

Suicide A suicide occurs every 13 minutes in the US More suicides that homicides in a typical year Suicide rate increasing every year Elderly have highest rate Men significantly more likely than women to commit suicide