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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Vehicular manslaughter
Read a random definition: State supreme court
A quick definition of Vehicular manslaughter:
Vehicular manslaughter is when someone causes the death of another person while driving a car in an illegal or careless way. It's also called vehicular homicide. The law can differ depending on where you are, but it's usually easier to prove than regular manslaughter because it doesn't require as much intent to harm someone.
A more thorough explanation:
Vehicular manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter, also known as vehicular homicide, is a crime where a person causes the death of another person while unlawfully or negligently operating a motor vehicle. The law may differ depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, vehicular manslaughter is easier to prove than manslaughter because it requires a less culpable mens rea.
Example 1: A driver who is texting while driving hits and kills a pedestrian crossing the street.
Example 2: A driver who is under the influence of alcohol hits and kills another driver in a head-on collision.
These examples illustrate vehicular manslaughter because in both cases, the driver's unlawful or negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulted in the death of another person. The drivers did not intend to kill anyone, but their actions were reckless and caused the death of another person.