Death Investigations Flashcards
What two areas intersect when a death involves a criminal offence?
The relevant criminal offence and specific issues of proof
What are relevant criminal offences in death investigations?
First, second degree murder
Manslaughter
Infanticide
What are specific issues of proof in death investigations?
Identification
COD/manner of death
Level of intent, planning
Circumstantial evidence
What makes a murder first degree murder?
When it is proven to have been planned and deliberate
What is second degree murder?
All murder that is not first degree murder.
Define infanticide.
When a female person, by a wilful act or omission, causes the death of her newly-born child,
if at the time of the act or omission she is not fully recovered from the effects of giving birth and by reason thereof or of the effect of lactation consequent on the birth of the child her mind is then disturbed
What is manslaughter?
Culpable homicide that is not murder or infanticide
