Homicide is one of the most serious crimes and a major cause of death worldwide. It not only deprives victims of their lives but also harms friends and family, the perpetrators themselves and society as a whole. It is important to understand why people kill others, how frequently homicides occur and whether they are becoming more or less common over time.
In general, homicide is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being and includes murder, manslaughter, euthanasia, infanticide, and suicide (except assisted suicide). Homicide counts are not always comparable between countries because of variations in definitions and data collection methods.
Criminal homicide encompasses both murder and manslaughter, whereas civil homicide refers to a killing resulting from negligence or other wrongful acts that may not be prosecuted as a crime in every jurisdiction. Criminal homicide is a more serious offense and usually carries a heavier penalty than civil homicide, such as imprisonment or even the death penalty in some cases.
Different types of homicide differ in how they are committed and why, for example, involuntary manslaughter is typically a result of a sudden emotional response, such as in the heat of passion or from provocation, whereas voluntary manslaughter is often a premeditated act. In addition, a person can be found guilty of murder either through an affirmative act or through omission (e.g., failing to get medical attention). Individual and institutional subscriptions are available without joining the Homicide Research Working Group; please visit the SAGE Publications Web site for information on ordering.