You might want to get a refund on your law degree.
A reckless driver who kills someone is generally charged with
manslaughter, as murder requires an intent to kill that reckless drivers lack. Manslaughter is typically defined as an unlawful killing without the malice or premeditation required for murder, and is often categorized as involuntary manslaughter when it results from reckless actions like drunk or dangerous driving.
- Manslaughter: The key distinction is that manslaughter does not require intent to kill. Instead, it's a killing resulting from a reckless or criminally negligent act, such as a fatal accident caused by speeding or driving under the influence.
- Murder: This is a more serious charge reserved for killings that are committed with "malice aforethought," meaning there was intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm.
- Vehicular Manslaughter: This specific legal term describes the unlawful killing of a person through negligent or reckless driving and does not require malice aforethought or premeditated intent to kill.