VA · jury_instructions
Va. Model Jury Instr. Crim. No. 33.610
Involuntary Manslaughter—Criminal Negligence—Definition
The gist of involuntary manslaughter is criminal negligence. It must be shown that the
negligence of the defendant was gross or culpable negligence. Gross or culpable negligence is that
which indicates a callous disregard of human life and of the probable consequences of his act.
Criminal liability cannot be predicated upon every act carelessly performed merely because such
carelessness results in the death of another. In order for criminal liability to result from
negligence, it must necessarily be reckless or wanton and of such a character as to show disregard
of the safety of others under circumstances likely to cause injury or death. Unless you believe
from the evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of negligence so
culpable or gross as to indicate a callous disregard of human life and of the probable consequences
of his act, you cannot find him guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
History
Virginia Model Jury Instructions – Criminal, Release 26, October 2025. The unannotated set, posted by the Supreme Court of Virginia at vacourts.gov; the book states that it is made available with the permission of the publisher, Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.
Provenance
- Source
- vacourts.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-10-11
- Edition
- crim-2025-10-01
- Content hash
685bc8e7a9cd4232907cbfaea6a6056b668c7b0f3591b1a83d18fc955d6d0e8a
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