What is the difference between manslaughter and second degree murder in Canada?
Not sure about Canada, but since Canada law and United States law are generally very similar, (because they both are based off of English common law) I will give you the United State definitions. MANSLAUGHTER can be voluntary or involuntary. VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER is when the person has specific intent to kill (specific intent means they intended the action and the consequences), but there is a mitigating defense. A mitigating defense can be, heat of passion (walking in on a cheating lover), mutual combat, or any serious provocation that a reasonable jury may consider enough to cause a person to kill. INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER is when there is only general intent (intent to do the action, but no intent to kill) and the person is killed. This is when you do something reckless, like drunk driving after 12 beers. You are aware of the risk, but do it anyways. SECOND DEGREE MURDER can also be split along the intent lines just as manslaughter was. INTENTIONAL SECOND DEGREE MURDER is when the
