LAW P1 CRIM (UAMS)

Question 1

What is unlawful act manslaughter?

Answer 1

Unlawful act manslaughter is a form of involuntary manslaughter in that an unlawful killing has taken place where the defendant lacks the mens rea of murder.

Question 2

What are the three elements of unlawful act manslaughter?

Answer 2

1. There must be an unlawful act
2. The unlawful act must be dangerous
3. The unlawful dangerous act must cause death

Question 3

What are the cases for UAMS?

Answer 3

• R v Lowe, there must be an unlawful act, the offence could not be committed by an omission
• R v Watson, the court of appeal held that a sober and reasonable person would regard the act of the appellant as dangerous
• R v Rodgers, the appellant was playing a part in the mechanics of the injection which caused death.