Voluntary Manslaughter / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1112 is a criminal offense that occurs when a person kills another person without premeditation or deliberation, but with an intent to kill. It is a form of homicide, but is distinct in that it is not premeditated or deliberate, and does not involve malice aforethought. This offense can be further divided into two distinct categories: heat of passion voluntary manslaughter and imperfect self-defense voluntary manslaughter. Heat of passion voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another person in the heat of passion or rage, without premeditation or deliberation, in response to a provocation that would have caused a reasonable person to become similarly enraged. This type of voluntary manslaughter is a less serious offense than a premeditated murder, but more serious than a crime of passion. Imperfect self-defense voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another person without premeditation or deliberation, but with an intent to kill, and mistakenly believes that it is necessary to prevent serious injury to him or herself. This form of voluntary manslaughter is considered a less serious offense than premeditated murder, but more serious than an act of self-defense. In order to be convicted of voluntary manslaughter / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1112, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted with an intent to kill, without premeditation or deliberation, and either in response to a provocation or with a belief that it was necessary to prevent serious injury to himself or herself.