9. Involuntary manslaughter

Abstract

This chapter examines those types of manslaughter committed where the defendant lacks the mens rea for murder—called involuntary manslaughter. It considers whether the unlawful act manslaughter offence is too wide because there is minimal subjective fault required; whether the unlawful act manslaughter offence is too vague; whether a supplier of drugs can be liable for manslaughter if V dies from having taken them; and whether gross negligence manslaughter infringes the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).