How is "involuntary manslaughter" defined under Pennsylvania law?

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Involuntary manslaughter under Pennsylvania law is defined as the unintentional killing of another person as a result of reckless or criminally negligent behavior. This means that the individual did not have the intention to kill but engaged in conduct that was so reckless that it resulted in someone else's death. This distinction is crucial in law, as it separates involuntary manslaughter from other forms of homicide, such as murder that involves intent or premeditation.

The focus in involuntary manslaughter is on the defendant's actions and state of mind that led to the death. If the actions can be shown to be a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe in the same situation, it can be classified as involuntary manslaughter.

In contrast, the other options represent different levels of homicide or specific circumstances that do not align with the definition of involuntary manslaughter. Deliberate killing refers to murder; murder during a robbery indicates premeditated intent and is classified as a more severe crime than involuntary manslaughter; and killing with sudden passion typically pertains to voluntary manslaughter, which also involves an element of intention based on provocation. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of involuntary mansl

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