Homicide is the act of one person causing the death of another person. Not all homicides are murder—some are manslaughter due to mitigating circumstances—and some are lawful when justified by an affirmative defense such as self-defense or insanity.

Criminal homicide generally involves (1) intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, or (2) negligence that causes the death of another person. Criminal homicide committed with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury is generally charged as the criminal offense of murder (committed with intent and with premeditation or malice) or as voluntary manslaughter or second degree murder (committed with intent but without premeditation or malice).

And criminal homicide caused by negligence is generally charged as the criminal offense of involuntary manslaughter—for example, when a person is driving recklessly or speeding and hits another motor vehicle or pedestrian, causing the death of the other motorist or the pedestrian. A person driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol who hits another motor vehicle or pedestrian, causing the death of the other motorist or the pedestrian, may be charged with involuntary manslaughter, or with a more specific offense like intoxication manslaughter or vehicular homicide—depending on applicable state laws.

Criminal homicide laws vary from state to state—including the names, degrees of severity, and punishments. These laws are generally found in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alaska, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another and can be classified into different categories based on the circumstances and the intent of the perpetrator. Murder, which is intentional and premeditated, is the most serious form of homicide and can be charged as first-degree or second-degree murder under Alaska Statutes §§ 11.41.100-11.41.110. First-degree murder involves premeditation or other aggravating factors, while second-degree murder involves intent to cause serious physical injury that results in death. Manslaughter, under Alaska Statutes § 11.41.120, is a lesser homicide charge that involves the unintentional killing of another person due to recklessness or a heat of passion situation. Involuntary manslaughter, although not specifically named in Alaska statutes, would typically fall under the broader category of manslaughter and covers situations where death results from negligent actions, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence. Alaska law also recognizes justifiable homicide, such as in cases of self-defense, under certain conditions as outlined in Alaska Statutes § 11.81.330. The specific charges and penalties for homicide offenses in Alaska are determined by the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the act.