NCCC 21 Ch 13 - Homicide

Corpus delicti

A body on which a crime has been committed.

Adequate provocation

A provocation that a reasonable person might naturally be induced to commit the act after losing self-control.

First-degree murder

Murder committed with premeditation malice aforethought, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or while in the commission of crimes like burglary, robbery, or rape. Definitions of first-degree murder vary jurisdictionally.

Year-and-a-day rule

The rule requiring that a victim's death must have occurred within a year and a day after the attack occurred in order for a defendant to be convicted of homicide.

Imminent danger

The situation that exists when an unlawful attack is about to happen.

Capital crime

A crime that is punishable by death.

Voluntary manslaughter

The unlawful killing of another, without malice, when an intention to kill exists, but through violence that is the result of what is often termed “the heat of passion.”

Involuntary manslaughter

The unintentional killing of another while in the commission of an unlawful act or while in the commission of a reckless act.

Premeditated malice aforethought

Thinking over, deliberating on, or weighing in the mind beforehand.

Justifiable homicide

The taking of a human life when a lawful justification exists. A killing made in self-defense.

Euthanasia

An active procedure to hasten the death of one who is terminally ill or in immense suffering.

Causation

The direct and proximate cause of some one’s injuries.

Viable

Having the appearance of being able to live.

Excusable homicide

The taking of a human life when an excuse exists.

Malice aforethought

Evil intent; that state of mind which is reckless of law and of the legal rights of others.

Right-to-die laws

Laws allowing dying people to refuse extraordinary treatment to prolong life.

Felon

A person who has committed a felony.

Castle doctrine

A doctrine that allows people to use all necessary force, without first retreating, to defend themselves when they are in their homes.

Felony murder

Murder committed while in the commission or attempted commission of a crime punishable with death or imprisonment for life.

Felonious homicide

Homicide done with the intent to commit a felony.

Proximate cause

The dominant or moving cause.