What is classified as criminal homicide under Texas Penal Code?

Criminal homicide under the Texas Penal Code encompasses various offenses that result in the death of an individual. This includes multiple classifications, each defined by specific circumstances and intents.

Manslaughter refers to causing the death of another person through recklessness. It often implies a lack of intent to kill but recognizes that irresponsible actions can still result in fatal outcomes.

Negligent homicide involves causing death through criminal negligence, where an individual fails to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk, leading to the death of another person. This reflects a lower degree of culpability compared to manslaughter.

Capital murder is one of the most serious classifications of homicide. It occurs when a person intentionally kills another individual under specially defined circumstances, which may include the murder of a police officer, multiple victims, or murders committed during certain felonies like robbery.

By acknowledging all three classifications—manslaughter, negligent homicide, and capital murder—as forms of criminal homicide, it becomes clear that the answer encompasses the complete range of conduct treated as criminal homicide under Texas law. Each classification addresses different scenarios and varying levels of intent, making them integral to understanding the broader legal definition of criminal homicide in Texas.