Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
homicide
Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
Hear Professor Robert Hanlon discuss a brutal homicide case described in his book Survived by One: The Life and Mind of a Family Mass Murderer
Two coroner's office personnel wheel a covered body on a stretcher outside Sharon Tate's home, with a man standing by the entrance in the background.
At a Glance
default image
homicide summary
Quizzes
graphic of a person standing holding a knife. murder, kill, serial killer, stab
Famous Serial Killers
Related Questions
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

homicide

law
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

homicide, the killing of one human being by another. Homicide is a general term and may refer to a noncriminal act as well as the criminal act of murder. Some homicides are considered justifiable, such as the killing of a person to prevent the commission of a serious felony or to aid a representative of the law. Other homicides are said to be excusable, as when a person kills in self-defense. A criminal homicide is...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile