Manslaughter by Organisations

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force on 6 April 2008.

This applies to deaths in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, resulting from the activities of companies, crown bodies, police forces, and large partnerships.

However it is important to note that the offence only applies when both (a) the death and (b) all the evidence relevant to proving the offence - took place after 6 April 2008. This will mean that it may take many years before the offence will actually apply to deaths - particularly in relation to deaths caused by the activities of large organisations.

In relation to deaths where the evidence relates to events before 6 April 2008 - the pre-existing principles of corporate liability will apply.

• To read about the new 2008 Act, click here.
  
  
• To access documents relating to the reform of the law, click here
  .
• To read about the pre-existing principles of corporate manslaughter in England and Wales, click here.
  
  
• To read about the pre-existing principles of corporate manslaughter in Scotland, click here.

Manslaughter by Individuals

The new legislation does not apply to individuals. the existing offence of manslaughter applies

• To read about the law of manslaughter as it applies to individuals in England and Wales, click here
  
  
• To read about the law of manslaughter as it applies to individuals in Scotland, click here

Investigation of the offence of manslaughter

To read about how deaths are investigated in England and Wales and in Scotland.