What constitutes manslaughter under California law?

Manslaughter under California law is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. This means that the act is considered a killing but is distinguished from murder by the absence of intent to kill or the mental state of malice that is typically associated with more severe crimes. Manslaughter is divided into various categories, including voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, but the core definition remains centered on the lack of premeditated malice.

This definition is critical because it highlights the distinctions made in the law regarding intent and mental state at the time of the act. In contrast to murder, where there is a deliberate intention to kill or commit serious bodily harm, manslaughter addresses situations where the killing may occur under provocation or in situations where the perpetrator did not intend to cause death but did so through negligent or reckless actions.

Understanding this definition helps law enforcement officers and legal professionals distinguish between various degrees of unlawful killing and apply the appropriate charges based on the circumstances of each case.