Negligent homicide is a legal term used to describe a situation where a person causes the death of another individual through careless or reckless behavior. This type of crime occurs when someone fails to act with the level of caution that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances, leading to a fatal outcome. In many jurisdictions, negligent homicide is considered a lesser offense than murder, as it does not involve intent to kill. Penalties can vary, but they often include fines, probation, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the negligence and the specific laws of the state or country involved.