What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are two distinct offenses under North Carolina criminal law. Voluntary manslaughter is a homicide that is committed while a person is acting in the heat of passion due to provocation. In contrast, involuntary manslaughter is a homicide resulting from an act committed in reckless disregard for the safety of others. Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that may be mitigated by sudden passion caused by adequate provocation. This provocation must be enough to deprive an ordinary person of self-control and reason. The provocation must be found in the actions of the victim, not the defendant. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is a homicide that occurs as a result of an egregious act of negligence or recklessness. To prove involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors must show that the defendant’s act was so extreme that it would shock or offend the community’s sensibilities. Examples of acts that could constitute involuntary manslaughter include driving under the influence, or other reckless behavior that results in death. In summary, voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing with provocation, while involuntary manslaughter is an unintentional killing due to extreme recklessness or negligence. Both of these offenses are considered homicides and are punished severely in North Carolina.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

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