In South Dakota, criminal homicide is classified according to the severity of the killing as either murder, manslaughter, excusable homicide, justifiable homicide, or vehicular homicide. The crime of manslaughter is then further subcategorized into voluntary manslaughter (referred to as manslaughter in the first degree) and involuntary manslaughter (referred to as manslaughter in the second degree). This article provides a brief overview of South Dakota's voluntary manslaughter law.
Code Section |
South Dakota Code section 22-16-15: Manslaughter in First Degree |
What's Prohibited? |
Killing a human being (including an unborn child) if perpetrated:
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Penalties |
Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class C felony that is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and life in prison. |
| Lesser Included Offenses | First degree manslaughter is a lesser included offense of first degree murder and second degree murder. |
What's the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?
While both murder and manslaughter require an unlawful killing, the key difference between the two crimes lies in the offender's state of mind when the killing was committed. Generally, murder requires the killing to have been done with malice (or the intent or desire to cause harm). On the other hand, manslaughter does not involve malice or premeditation. The law views offenders who commit manslaughter as less morally culpable than those who commit murder, and therefore the distinction between the two crimes is very significant went it comes to punishing the killer.
Additional Resources
State laws change frequently. For case specific information regarding South Dakota's voluntary manslaughter law contact a local criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a qualified attorney.