What distinguishes involuntary manslaughter from voluntary manslaughter?

The distinction between involuntary manslaughter and voluntary manslaughter primarily centers on the concept of intent. Involuntary manslaughter is characterized by unintentional killing that results from reckless or negligent behavior, meaning that the person did not intend to kill but acted in a way that led to someone's death. This highlights that the act was not premeditated, nor was there any intention to cause fatal harm.

On the other hand, voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing that typically occurs in the heat of passion or as a result of provocation. In such cases, the perpetrator may have intended to kill but was influenced by a sudden emotional disturbance that mitigates the offense from murder to manslaughter.

Thus, the key differentiator is the presence or absence of intent to kill: while voluntary manslaughter involves a conscious decision to end a life under mitigating circumstances, involuntary manslaughter does not involve intent, focusing instead on the unintentional outcome of one's reckless actions.