NCJ Number
95512
Journal
Northern Illinois University Law Review Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1982) Pages: 217-234
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This comment provides what the official comments to the Illinois Criminal Code excluded when a second definition was added to the prior statutory description of voluntary manslaughter: the apparent reasons and justifications for inclusion of this new subsection, an explanation of how the courts have interpreted the language of the statute, and an analysis of what types of behavior might lead to conviction under its provisions.
Abstract
The type of voluntary manslaughter provided for in subsection 9-2(b) of the Illinois Criminal Code has been characterized as a killing performed in the 'unreasonable belief that deadly force is necessary to protect (the actor) from imminent death or great bodily harm,' and is at times referred to as an imperfect claim to the right of self-defense. To convict under 9-2(b), it must be shown that the accused acted intentionally or knowingly, the accused believed the killing would be excused or justified under article 7 of the Code, and such belief was unreasonable. The latter two elements are closely related and considered together, as the requirement of reasonableness is an integral portion of any self-defense claim. Subsection 9-2(b) works well as a compromise between murder and exoneration. Overall, this second definition of voluntary manslaughter permits the aggressor-killer to be convicted of murder, the retreating-aggressor or excessive defender to be convicted of voluntary manslaughter, and the legitimate self-defender to be exonerated. As the legitimate self-defender to be exonerated. As such, it appears to be a welcome addition to the law in any jurisdiction. Ninety-six footnotes are provided.