Voluntary Manslaughter

What is Voluntary Manslaughter?

This is often called a "heat of passion" crime. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person: is strongly provoked (under circumstances that could similarly provoke a reasonable person) and kills in the heat of passion aroused by that provocation. May include other acts of homicide by state statute.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Criminal Law terms:

• Provocation
• Homicide

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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