Homicide is the act of killing a person. It is a serious crime that is punishable by criminal law, and can result in severe penalties, including the death penalty. Homicide is one form of violent behavior, and it can be influenced by many factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, and social conditions. The incidence of homicide varies from culture to culture, although there are some common patterns among countries and regions.
Homicides are classified into several different legal categories based on levels of culpability and intent. The most serious is first-degree murder, which requires a high level of planning and deliberation to achieve the act. This includes actions such as acquiring a weapon, preparing an alibi, and waiting for the right moment to commit the act. First-degree murder is distinguished from second-degree murder, which lacks premeditation and occurs in the heat of the moment.
Other types of homicide include rape and sexual assault, domestic violence, gang violence, and revenge killings. The risk of homicide is higher for people of color, particularly Black males and females. People with a history of incarceration and individuals who have been involved with street gangs are also at greater risk for victimization.
There are also cases of ideological homicide, which is the systematic killing of members of a group, such as the Holocaust or the Rwandan genocide between Hutus and Tutsis. Finally, there are cases of euthanasia, where a terminally ill individual is killed on medical grounds.