Criminal Law: Involuntary Manslaughter [LEAP Preview]

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00:00 Introduction to Involuntary Manslaughter
Explains how involuntary manslaughter fits into the common law homicide framework, falling just below depraved heart murder and felony murder in severity.

01:33 Definition and Key Requirements
Defines involuntary manslaughter as the unintentional killing of another human being through criminal negligence or during the commission of an unlawful act outside the felony murder rule.

03:03 Criminal Negligence Standard
Distinguishes criminal negligence from tort negligence, emphasizing the need for a gross deviation from reasonable care and a resulting death.

06:14 Negligence Spectrum in Homicide
Places involuntary manslaughter on the spectrum between tort negligence and depraved heart murder, noting how severity and awareness of risk escalate liability.

07:23 Awareness of Risk as the Key Divider
Explains that conscious awareness of a deadly risk leans toward depraved heart murder, while unawareness—though still grossly negligent—points to involuntary manslaughter.

08:38 Gun Example Illustration
Uses contrasting loaded vs. unloaded gun scenarios to show how awareness of danger determines whether conduct is involuntary manslaughter or depraved heart murder.

10:45 Totality of the Circumstances Analysis
Notes that courts weigh all facts in distinguishing between criminal negligence and reckless indifference, without bright-line rules.

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