unlawful act manslaughter

• R v Franklin


  The unlawful act must be a criminal offence
• R v Lowe


  The unlawful act cannot be an omission
• R v Church


  A reasonable and sober person must recognise that there is a risk of 'some harm
• R v J M and S M


  'Some harm' refers to physical harm
• R v Pagett


  Factual causation: 'but for' test
• R v Kimsey


  Legal causation: more than a slight or trifling link
• R v Hughes


  Legal causation: more than minimal
• R v Jordan


  Medical intervention (intervening act)
• R v Roberts


  Victim's own act (intervening act)
• DPP v Newbury and Jones

  D needs to have the mens rea for the unlawful act
• R v Cunningham


  Recklessness
• R v Mohan


  Direct intention
• R v Woolin


  Oblique intention
• Steps for unlawful act manslaughter

  1. Act must be unlawful

  2. Act must be objectively dangerous

  3. Act must cause death

  4. D must have the mens rea for the unlawful act