ABSTRACT
“Homicide” is the killing of one human being by another through an act or omission. Homicide occurs when a person knowingly, purposefully, recklessly, or negligently causes the death of another human being. The term “homicide” is itself neutral. “Homicide” simply describes the act, but its use offers no judgment on the moral or legal nature of that act. Criminal homicide is murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide. Homicide is usually classified as either justifiable, excusable, or felonious. Felonious homicide is the wrongful killing of a human being without justification. There are two types of intentional homicide, which are murder and manslaughter. Criminal homicide is murder when the act is committed purposely, knowingly, or recklessly with indifference to the value of human life. Criminal homicide is manslaughter when it is committed recklessly or under the influence of an extreme mental or emotional disturbance or stress for which there is a reasonable explanation or excuse.
