What is the Term for Accidental Killing due to Recklessness or Negligence?

A. Involuntary manslaughter

The correct answer is 'Involuntary manslaughter'. This legal term describes a killing that occurs without intent to cause harm or death but as a result of reckless or negligent behavior.

Let's break down why the other options are incorrect:

• Second-degree murder: This involves killing with malice aforethought, but not premeditated. It implies a conscious decision to cause harm, which is not present in involuntary manslaughter.
• Manslaughter by provocation: This refers to killing in the heat of the moment, triggered by a provoking event. It requires a specific intent to harm, which is absent in involuntary manslaughter.
• Heat-of-passion killing: Similar to manslaughter by provocation, this involves killing in a sudden, intense emotional state. Again, it involves a conscious decision to harm, unlike involuntary manslaughter.

Involuntary manslaughter focuses on the lack of intent to kill, but the presence of reckless or negligent actions that led to the death.