ABSTRACT
The verdict of voluntary manslaughter is unique. Firstly it is not a specific charge in itself but rather arises from a charge of murder to which a special and partial defence has been pleaded. These special and partial defences will be considered below but are called special since they may only be pleaded in defence to murder and partial because a successful plea results, not in acquittal but in a conviction for manslaughter. This allows the judge to exercise discretion in choosing the appropriate sentence depending upon all the circumstances of the individual case.
