The scenario you're describing aligns with the legal concept of manslaughter, specifically voluntary manslaughter. This usually involves the killing of a person in the heat of passion or during a provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control.
In many jurisdictions, voluntary manslaughter is characterized by:
- Lack of malice aforethought: The killing was not planned or premeditated.
- Provocation: The victim's actions must have been such that they provoked the killer in a way that would cause a reasonable person to become emotionally or mentally disturbed.
- Heat of passion: The killer must have acted in the moment, without taking time to cool off.
An example could be a situation where one person discovers their partner in a compromising situation with another person and, in a moment of intense emotional disturbance, reacts violently. In such cases, the killer may be charged with voluntary manslaughter rather than murder due to the circumstances surrounding the act.
Legal standards can vary by jurisdiction, so it's essential to consult specific laws and definitions applicable to the location where the incident occurred.