Gradations 0
In a larger discussion about the “warrior gene”* (follow the link–it’s worth your while), Elie Mystal explains the hierarchy of charges involving causing the death of another person.
- First Degree Murder = You killed people.
- Second Degree Murder = You killed people, opportunistically.
- Voluntary Manslaughter = You killed people, but I understand.
- Involuntary Manslaughter = You’re such a dumbass that you actually killed people.
- Self-Defense = You killed black people.
_______________
*The short version is that a certain gene, if present, alters body chemistry so as to make a person less able to resist impulses. The occasion of Mystal’s post is that the theory is being floated as a mitigating circumstance in a particularly horrific killing. Mystal is arguing that the law already recognises mitigating circumstances.
