A man discovers his spouse with another individual and fatally attacks them in a fit of rage. Charged with homicide, the man seeks mitigation to voluntary manslaughter on the grounds of provocation. In which scenario is provocation most likely to reduce the charge?
Becoming angry after being insulted.
Finding out about a spouse's infidelity weeks later and attacking the individual.
Seeing a spouse engaged in adultery.
Hearing a rumor about a spouse’s infidelity and confronting and attacking the suspected individual.
The correct answer aligns with the legal recognition that discovering a spouse in the act of adultery constitutes sufficient provocation to arouse intense emotion in an ordinary person, reducing culpability to voluntary manslaughter. Other scenarios fail to meet the criteria because the provocation is either insufficiently immediate to qualify as 'heat of passion' (e.g., finding out weeks later) or involves factors—such as rumors or minor insults—that courts regard as inadequate to incite a reasonable person to lose self-control.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is the legal definition of provocation in the context of voluntary manslaughter?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why doesn’t hearing a rumor about infidelity qualify as sufficient provocation?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is immediacy critical in establishing a heat-of-passion defense?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Multistate Bar Examination
Criminal Law and Procedure
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Bar Prep Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
3 Month Pass
$299.99
$99.99/mo
One time purchase of $299.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$399.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Bar Prep Package plans include the following perks and exams .