Voluntary manslaughter is a legal term that refers to the intentional killing of another person, but under circumstances that may reduce the culpability of the offender. This often occurs in situations where the perpetrator is provoked, such as in cases of domestic violence or road rage, leading to a loss of self-control. Unlike murder, which involves premeditation, voluntary manslaughter is typically seen as a crime of passion. In many jurisdictions, voluntary manslaughter carries lesser penalties than murder due to the mitigating factors involved. The law recognizes that the emotional state of the offender at the time of the act can influence their judgment. As a result, sentences for voluntary manslaughter may include prison time, but they are generally shorter than those for murder convictions.