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 Connecticut, homicide encompasses various degrees of severity based on the circumstances surrounding the death. Murder, under Connecticut law, involves the intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought or during the commission of a felony. It is the most serious form of homicide and can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Manslaughter in the first degree includes killings that occur due to extreme emotional disturbance or intent to cause serious physical injury, while manslaughter in the second degree involves reckless killings or those caused by the heat of passion provoked by the victim. Involuntary manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide, occurs when a death is the result of negligent actions, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Connecticut law also recognizes defenses such as self-defense or insanity, which can justify the act or mitigate the charges. The specific statutes detailing homicide offenses and their penalties can be found in the Connecticut General Statutes under the penal code.