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Simple English definitions for legal terms
second-degree manslaughter
Read a random definition: Statute of Accumulations
A quick definition of second-degree manslaughter:
Second-degree manslaughter is a type of crime where someone causes the death of another person without intending to do so. It can happen because of carelessness or negligence, or during the commission of another crime. It is different from murder because there was no intention to kill or harm the person who died.
A more thorough explanation:
Second-degree manslaughter is a type of involuntary manslaughter. It refers to the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. This means that the person did not intend to kill or cause serious harm to the victim, but their actions resulted in the victim's death.
For example, if someone is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes a fatal car accident, they could be charged with second-degree manslaughter. Another example is if someone is playing with a gun and accidentally shoots and kills someone.
These examples illustrate the definition of second-degree manslaughter because in both cases, the person did not intend to kill anyone, but their reckless or negligent actions resulted in someone's death.