Abstract
This chapter examines homicide law in England and Wales, focusing on murder and voluntary manslaughter. The chapter discusses the sentence for murder under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and comments on the justification for the mandatory life sentence. It also reviews the most recent proposals for reform of murder and the mandatory sentence, and analyses court decisions in relevant cases. Voluntary manslaughter requires the actus reus and mens rea for murder but must also have a partial defence, such as loss of control or diminished responsibility as well as that of suicide pact under the Homicide Act 1957.
