Voluntary & Involuntary Manslaughter Under Minnesota Law
In Minnesota, manslaughter is defined as the killing of a person in a manner less culpable than murder. The relevant manslaughter statutes differentiate the seriousness of the offense based upon the state of mind of the defendant at the time of the killing. Manslaughter may be voluntary or involuntary under Minnesota law.
In a voluntary manslaughter situation, the perpetrator must have an intent to cause death or serious injury. Liability for the death, however, may be reduced in light of the specific circumstances surrounding the actions and the state of mind of the individual who is charged. For example, a "heat of passion" killing (such as responding with deadly force upon witnessing an abusive act upon a child) may involve a voluntary manslaughter charge.
With involuntary manslaughter (sometimes involving negligent or criminal vehicular homicide) no intent to kill or cause serious injury is necessary. Instead, the death of another may result from reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others - such as causing the death of a driver in a motor vehicle accident.
Under the Minnesota manslaughter statutes there are three types of manslaughter charges:
