Which term refers to unlawful killing without intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm?

The term that refers to unlawful killing without intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm is manslaughter. This offense is characterized by the absence of malice aforethought, which distinguishes it from murder. In manslaughter cases, the perpetrator typically acts in a moment of passion, as a result of provocation, or due to negligence, rather than with the intent to kill.

This distinction is essential in criminal law, as it affects both the nature of the crime and the potential penalties. Manslaughter can be viewed as a less blameworthy act than murder because the mental state involved is less culpable. It embodies a scenario where the death results from an action that was not intended to cause serious harm, unlike murder, which requires a deliberate intention to kill or inflict serious injury. Homicide is a broader term that encompasses both murder and manslaughter, referring generally to the unlawful killing of another person, but does not specify the intent behind the act.