Homicide

Homicide, in criminal law, killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or negligence of another. Homicide is a generic term, comprehending not only the crimes of murder and manslaughter but also the taking of a human life under circumstances justifying the act or in a sense excusing its commission. Thus, the killing of an enemy on the battlefield as an act of war is considered justifiable homicide, and killing, without malice, to save one's own life or the lives of one's dependents is termed excusable homicide. The penalties for unlawful homicide vary from state to state and range from the death sentence to various terms of imprisonment.