Chapter 9 Crimes Against the Person

1. Chapter 9 – Crimes Against the Person

2. Homicide Homicide – the killing of one human being by another. Can be criminal or noncriminal Criminal Homicide – is killing that is done with malice. All homicides done with malice used to be punishable by death. Now they are classified by state of mind and/or circumstances.

3. Degrees of Homicide First-degree murder – is murder that is premeditated and done with malice. Felony Murder – murder that is done during the commission of certain felonies. Examples – Shoot someone during a robbery, kill someone during a rape attack. Second-degree murder – killing that is done with malice, but is not premeditated. Examples include – road rage, etc.

4. Degrees of Homicide Continued Voluntary Manslaughter – a killing that would be a murder, but the victim has done something to make the killer lose control. Example – a husband kills his wife after finding her in bed with another man. Involuntary Manslaughter – a killing that results from actions that were so reckless that they resulted in the killing of a person. Example – street racing, playing with a loaded gun.

5. Homicide Continued Negligent Homicide – homicide that is caused by a negligent action. Negligence is the failure to exercise a reasonable or ordinary amount of care in a situation that causes harm to someone.

6. Suicide Suicide is the deliberate taking of one’s own life. Courts now treat this as a cry for help. They are usually required to seek mental help. Helping someone commit suicide is a crime and can be considered murder or manslaughter.

7. Assault and Battery Assault is the threat or attempt to carry out physical harm. “I am going to kill you” Battery is unlawful physical contact inflicted on one person onto another without consent. Example – If I punch you in the face and you don’t give me permission to.