Manslaughter is a legal term that refers to the unlawful killing of a person without premeditation or intent to kill. It is typically categorized into two types: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs in the heat of passion, often provoked by circumstances that cause extreme emotional disturbance. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, involves unintentional killing resulting from reckless or negligent behavior. The penalties for manslaughter vary by jurisdiction but are generally less severe than those for murder. Factors such as the circumstances of the crime and the defendant's history can influence sentencing. Legal systems aim to differentiate between intentional and unintentional acts to ensure appropriate justice is served.