Homicide
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Homicide is an act by which one person causes the death of another person. The English term 'homicide' is used broadly and covers cases that result in both criminal punishment and those that do not. Many legal systems distinguish between murder (intentional or premeditated), manslaughter (unintentional or arising from sudden passion), and justifiable homicide such as self-defense.
The distinction is based on two factors: the physical act that caused death, and the mental state or intent of the person who committed the act. When intent to kill is proven, the sentence is more severe. When death results from recklessness or negligence, the charge and punishment are less severe. The mental capacity of the accused, their age, and any sudden provocation affecting them also influence the sentence.
Legal categories
Most legal systems have different grades of homicide. The most serious is intentional, premeditated murder. Below that is intentional killing that was not premeditated. Then comes death resulting from gross recklessness, such as dangerous negligence or unsafe work. Islamic law distinguishes between intentional killing (equivalent to murder), unintentional killing, and accidental killing (requiring compensation and expiation).
Justified and mitigating circumstances
Self-defense, defense of another, and situations where law enforcement officials act within their legal authority can be grounds for justifying homicide. Legal justification typically depends on whether the threat was immediate, whether the response was proportionate to the threat, and whether no other way out was available. Circumstances that reduce punishment include mental illness, sudden provocation, and duress.
Research and statistics
Criminology and public health treat homicide as an indicator by which to measure public safety. Homicide rates are usually calculated per 100,000 people per year. Factors affecting these rates include the availability of firearms, illegal trade, economic inequality, and the quality of justice institutions. Data comes from police records and health death registers, which sometimes do not match.