Culpable Homicide - General Flashcards

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1
Q

Definition of homicide

A

The killing of a human being by another, directly or indirectly, by any means whatsoever

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2
Q

What are the three acts of culpable homicide?

A

(1) Murder
(2) Manslaughter
(3) Infanticide

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3
Q

Culpability of organisations

A

Manslaughter - Can be convicted as a party to the offence
Murder - Cannot be convicted as either a principle or a party to the offence (because the offence carries a mandatory life sentence)

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4
Q

When does a child become a human being? (Killing of a child, section 159(1))

A

When it has completely proceeded in a living state from the body of its mother, whether or not it has breathed, has an independent circulation, or the navel string is severed

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5
Q

When is killing a child homicide?
Killing of a child, section 159(2)

A

If the child dies in consequence of injuries received before, during or after birth

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6
Q

Culpable Homicide
Section 160(2)

A

(a) By an unlawful act
(b) By an omission without lawful excuse to perform or observe any legal duty
(c) By both combined
(d) By causing that person by threats or fear of violence, or by deception, to do an act which causes his death
(e) By wilfully frightening a child under the age of 16yrs or a sick person

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7
Q

Unlawful act

A

A breach of any Act, regulation, rule or bylaw.

The breach must be likely to do harm or is inherently “dangerous” as well as being unlawful

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8
Q

Omission to perform legal duty

A

Cases where nothing is done when there is a legal duty to act (imposed by statute or common law)

Duties imposed by law covered in later cards

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9
Q

Unlawful act and omission of duty - example

A

Driving a car so recklessly that you kill a pedestrian (unlawful act and omission to observe your duty to take precautions while in charge of a dangerous thing)

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10
Q

Threats, fear of violence and deception

A

The victims conduct must be such that it could be reasonably foreseen and proportionate to the threat

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11
Q

Frightening a child or sick person

A

Any act that frightens the child or sick person, as long as it is done wilfully

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12
Q

Killing by influence on the mind

A

General rule - not a crime.

Exception - Torturing another person who is already mentally or physically sick so that a person suffers a mental breakdown and commits suicide (s163)

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13
Q

Consent to death (section 63)

A

No one has a right to consent to being killed

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14
Q

Proof of death (3)

A

(1) Death occurred
(2) Deceased is identified as the person who has been killed
(3) The killing is culpable

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15
Q

No indefinite liability

A

A defendant will not be relieved of responsibility merely because a life support system is withdrawn in good faith

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