Defining the Victim in the Law of Homicide

doi:10.1017/9781009038126.007

7 - Defining the Victim in the Law of Homicide

from Part I - Criminal Law

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 July 2025

Stefanie Bock and

Stuart Green

Edited by

Kai Ambos ,

Julian Roberts and

Kai Ambos: Affiliation:
Georg August Universität Göttingen
Antony Duff: Affiliation:
University of Stirling
Alexander Heinze: Affiliation:
University of Bremen
Julian Roberts: Affiliation:
University of Oxford
Thomas Weigend: Affiliation:
University of Köln

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Summary

This chapter examines five key issues concerning the definition of a ‘victim’ in homicide law. First, protection should extend to all living humans, regardless of individual characteristics, although future considerations may necessitate specialised norms for animals and AI. Secondly, grading or sentencing based on victim characteristics (age, gender, occupation) is unjustified. Thirdly, homicide law should apply only to born individuals, with cases involving foetuses injured by third parties potentially prosecuted under ‘foeticide’. Fourthly, homicide law should focus on killing ‘others’, not ‘self’. Suicide should not be criminalised, although assisting or inciting suicide may be prosecuted in certain circumstances. Fifthly, determining when a victim is ‘already dead’ and beyond homicide law’s scope should use criteria consistent with defining the beginning of life (irreversible cessation of brain stem function or circulatory and respiratory function). These points aim to clarify the scope and application of homicide law, addressing complex issues surrounding victim status, foetal rights, suicide and the definition of death in legal contexts.

Keywords

homicide suicide assisted suicide foeticide abortion victim

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Core Concepts in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice
Volume III
, pp. 220 - 260

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009038126.007 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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