What is the Legal Definition of Homicide?

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Jun 06, 2022 | 0 Comments

Homicide is the killing of one human being by another. Homicide can be either legal or illegal, and it can be either intentional or unintentional. In some cases, homicide may even be considered Justifiable. The legal definition of homicide varies from state to state, but there are generally three types of homicide: murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.

Is Homicide Different Than Murder?

Murder is the most serious type of homicide. It is defined as the intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought. This means that the person committing murder must have intended to kill the victim and must have done so without any justifiable reason.

Homicide is the killing of one human being by another, while murder is a type of homicide that is slightly different. To be charged with murder, the act must have been committed with intent to kill. This means that the person accused of murder must have had the intention of taking another person's life. There are different degrees of murder, including first-degree and second-degree murder, which are based on the severity of the crime.

What are Defenses to a Homicide Charge?

When someone is accused of homicide, there are some possible defenses that their attorney may raise. Some of the most common include:

  • Self-defense: If the defendant can show that they reasonably believed that they or someone else was in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death and that they used deadly force only to the extent necessary to protect themselves or others, then this may be a valid defense.
  • Accidental homicide: An accidental homicide is a killing that was not intentional and did not involve any criminal intent. This type of homicide would be classified as involuntary manslaughter in the U.S. justice system. The person accused of the homicide must have caused the death through an act that was not premeditated or planned and must have had no prior intent to kill.
  • Insanity: In some cases, a person who commits homicide may be found not guilty because of insanity. This means that the person did not understand that their actions were wrong and, therefore, could not be held criminally responsible for the death.

When Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney for Help?

If you or someone you know has been charged with homicide, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and will work to build a strong defense. They can also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. We have experienced criminal defense attorneys who have represented clients charged with homicide. Contact us today at (317) 623-4546 for a free consultation.

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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