What Is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?

Full Video Transcript

There are a lot of legal terms for when someone is killed. When police investigate a suspicious death, it is called a homicide case. Homicide is not a specific criminal charge. Criminal charges involving the death of the victim could include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder or felony murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. States each have their own specific murder laws. While it varies, the specific charge usually comes down to intent and state of mind. Typically, a defendant is charged with first-degree murder if the killing was planned out beforehand. Second-degree murder is an intentional killing without premeditation. Voluntary manslaughter is similar to second-degree murder. Both typically involve killings that were not planned in advance, but they can differ regarding the aggression used. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when criminal negligence or extreme recklessness resulted in a death, for example, hitting and killing someone while driving drunk. Any crime involving homicide — that is, the death of another — is an incredibly serious charge.