What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter are two distinct types of manslaughter in New Mexico. Generally speaking, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. Voluntary manslaughter is a killing that is done with an intent to kill or cause serious harm, but is done in the heat of passion, which can include an act of revenge or retaliation. To qualify, the defendant must generally have had no prior intent or plan to kill, and must often have been provoked. Involuntary manslaughter is a killing that is done without malice or intent but is the result of negligence or recklessness. This would include situations where death is caused by someone acting carelessly or someone violating a safety law. The main difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter is that voluntary manslaughter involves an intended killing that is done in the heat of passion, while involuntary manslaughter involves a killing that is done through recklessness or negligence. Both types of manslaughter are considered serious crimes in New Mexico, and the punishments for each differ depending on the circumstances of the case.

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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?

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