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 Minnesota, homicide is categorized based on the intent, circumstances, and level of negligence involved in causing the death of another person. Intentional homicides with premeditation are typically charged as first-degree murder, which is the most serious offense and can result in life imprisonment. When the intent to kill is present but without premeditation, the charge may be second-degree murder. Voluntary manslaughter in Minnesota, known as second-degree manslaughter, involves killing another person in the heat of passion provoked by such words or acts that would provoke a person of ordinary self-control under like circumstances. Involuntary manslaughter, referred to as 'manslaughter in the second degree' in Minnesota, occurs when a person causes death by negligence, such as reckless driving or committing a misdemeanor that results in death. Additionally, Minnesota recognizes vehicular homicide, which is charged when a person causes the death of another by operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The specific statutes detailing homicide offenses in Minnesota can be found in the Minnesota Statutes under sections 609.185 to 609.21.