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 South Carolina, homicide is categorized based on the level of intent and circumstances surrounding the death. Murder, which is the most severe form of homicide, requires intent to kill or inflict serious bodily harm, and is often associated with premeditation or malice. Voluntary manslaughter, on the other hand, involves a killing that occurs in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel without malice aforethought. Involuntary manslaughter in South Carolina occurs when someone is killed due to another person's criminal negligence or reckless disregard for human life, such as in cases of reckless driving or driving under the influence resulting in a fatality. South Carolina law also recognizes the affirmative defenses of self-defense and insanity, which can justify a homicide under certain conditions. The specific statutes detailing homicide offenses in South Carolina can be found in the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly under Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses, which outlines the elements of each offense and the associated penalties.