Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a complex charge that arises when a person unlawfully kills another, but the act does not amount to murder. Manslaughter may be charged when the person did not intend to kill or injure the deceased, or when the person has diminished responsibility due to mental or cognitive impairment.

Almost all people who are convicted of manslaughter receive a prison sentence, although actual custody is not inevitable depending on the circumstances. The range of circumstances in which a charge of manslaughter may apply vary considerably. The maximum sentence that can be imposed for a manslaughter charge is life imprisonment.