Question

What is meant by Homicide?

• A. Suicide by human being not at home
• B. Suicide at home
• C. Killing of a human being by another human being
• D. Killing of human being by animal

Hint:

Remember the hierarchy: Homicide is the broadest term. It can be lawful or unlawful. Unlawful homicide is called Culpable Homicide. Culpable Homicide can be either Murder or Culpable Homicide not amounting to Murder.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The term "homicide" is the root word for various offences against the human body in criminal law, such as murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Its precise definition is foundational to understanding these offences.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The word "homicide" is derived from Latin terms:
- homo, which means 'man' or 'human'.
- caedere, which means 'to cut' or 'to kill'.
In legal parlance, homicide means the act of one human being causing the death of another human being.
- Options (A) and (B) describe suicide, which is self-killing.
- Option (D), the killing of a human by an animal, is not homicide.
- Option (C) accurately captures the legal definition.
Homicide itself is not always unlawful. It can be lawful (e.g., in self-defense) or unlawful (culpable homicide). Culpable homicide is further divided into murder (Section 300, IPC) and culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 299, IPC).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Homicide means the killing of a human being by another human being.