Oscar Pistorius verdict options were between two: Culpable homicide VS manslaughter. It was the former that was his verdict declared by South African Judge Thokozile Masipa. The verdict was read on Friday morning, a day after Pistorius was found not guilty of manslaughter. Yet what exactly is the difference between the verdict options?
Culpable homicide VS Manslaughter. The first difference between both verdicts is that culpable homicide requires negligence while manslaughter requires intent. Culpable homicide has been defined as the unintentional killing due to negligence or recklessness whereas manslaughter requires planning and the intent to kill.
Notably for culpable homicide VS manslaughter, the former is the "unlawful negligent killing of human being" in South African laws where in British legal terminology it is the same as manslaughter.
As for the sentence in culpable homicide VS manslaughter, the former has an imprisonment sentence of up to 15 years whereas the latter has a life sentence imprisonment. According to Independent.co.uk, cases of culpable homicide convicts usually get punished with fines and community service.
In culpable homicide VS manslaughter, the latter can be differentiated into two offenses namely voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter is the intentional killing usually described by murders done in a heat of passion. On the other hand, involuntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing without intent which can also be differentiated into two type's namely criminal negligence and unlawful act.
The definition and type of manslaughter is notably different when it comes to South African Laws. As for Pistorius verdict options between culpable homicide VS manslaughter. Judge Thokozile Masipa had given the verdict of culpable homicide.
A number of South Africans however have questioned the ruling. While Pistorius is relieved with the verdict until the next hearing, the family of Reeva Steenkamp, specifically her mother June, is shocked.
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