Which term describes a crime that is not planned but results from negligent acts?

• A. Manslaughter
• B. Voluntary manslaughter
• C. First degree murder
• D. INVOLUNTARY HOMICIDE

Answer: (D)

Types of homicide are defined by intent and planning. When a death results from negligent acts and there is no intent to kill, the offense is described as involuntary homicide, a label used in many jurisdictions (often interchangeable with involuntary manslaughter). The absence of malice and planned action means it isn’t murder; the key factor is that the killing happened because of negligence rather than deliberate action. That makes it the most appropriate description for a non-premeditated death caused by careless conduct. Voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing that occurs under provocation and without premeditation, which is not the case here. First-degree murder requires premeditation and deliberation, which also isn’t present. The generic term manslaughter can be broader, but when the defining feature is negligence without intent, involuntary homicide nails the concept.