Could accidents be considered manslaughter?
It is highly unlikely you would prosecuted in that situation unless it could be proven that you were acting in a negligent way like running or jumping around on the stairs or if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A simple accident with no negligent behavior is just that- an accident. Manslaughter is divided into two classes: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary is generally when a person is trying to do harm to a person but there are extenuating circumstances that would not allow a murder conviction. For example, if the victim provoked the offender in some way or if the offender acted in imperfect self defense by using too much force to defend himself. Involuntary manslaughter refers to a murder that occurs because of negligent behavior but with no INTENT to murder. For example, if I was tossing bricks off a bridge and someone walked under the bridge without my knowledge and was killed by a brick I tossed, I would be guilty of Involuntary manslaughter.
Accidents are not considered manslaughter, at least not in the example you made with falling down the stairs. Manslaughter is divided into voluntary and involuntary, accident’s fall under the latter category. Involuntary manslaughter is a charge directed at people who cause the death of a person without intending to kill them. They simply acted in a way where they knew, or should have known, better. Disregarding risks, operating something while drunk etc (both machinery and humans). Possible charges of manslaughter: If you cut down a huge tree without giving proper warning to anyone who might be nearby, and it lands on someone’s head. If you drive a car while intoxicated, even within speed limits and traffic rules, and you accidentally swerve of the road and hit someone else. If you throw a brick of a building. Accidents, not manslaughter: Tripping down the stairs and pushing someone down. Suddenly getting a flat tire causing the car to turn into someone else. The court is usually good
Well that wouldn’t be, but an ACCIDENT could be. That would be considered bad luck on part of the person you fell on. Manslaughter charges would be more of the person who smacked your back and makes you fall down the steps and you die. I mean it was an accident that you went down the steps, they didn’t push you they simply smacked your back. However they should have considered the risk that could may have been knocked off balance and they would likely be charged with involuntary manslaughter, but conviction would be another issue.
