Which offense refers to the unlawful killing of a person without premeditation?

• A. First-Degree Murder
• B. Homicide
• C. Murder
• D. Manslaughter

Answer: (D)

Premeditation is what pushes certain killings into a more serious category. When there is no planning or prior intent to kill, the offense is manslaughter. This covers killings that happen in the heat of passion or through negligent, reckless conduct without a prearranged plan to take a life. First-degree murder requires premeditation and deliberate intent, so it doesn’t fit the “without premeditation” scenario. Homicide is a broad term simply describing the act of causing a death and doesn’t specify the level of culpability. Murder usually implies malice or intent to kill, often with some level of premeditation, which again excludes it from the “without premeditation” description. So the one that matches is manslaughter.