How is 'homicide' defined in legal terms?

In legal terms, homicide is defined as the unlawful killing of another person. This encompasses a range of different scenarios, including murder and manslaughter, where the killing occurs without legal justification or excuse. The nature of homicide implies that the act was not sanctioned by law, distinguishing it from other forms of killing that may be considered lawful, such as self-defense or execution under the law.

The focus on 'unlawfulness' is crucial because it sets homicide apart from simply any act of killing. While other choices may touch upon aspects of killing, they either imply legality or specific intent that does not encompass the broader legal definition of homicide. Therefore, identifying homicide as the unlawful killing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the term within the context of criminal law.