What defines voluntary manslaughter under O.C.G.A. 16-5-2?

Voluntary manslaughter, as defined under O.C.G.A. 16-5-2, involves a killing that occurs in a fit of sudden passion, stemming from adequate provocation. This means that the person who committed the act was provoked to such an extent that their capacity to control their actions was impaired, leading to a fatal outcome. The law recognizes that such situations involve emotional turmoil that can lead a person to act irrationally, differentiating these cases from murder, which generally involves a clear intent to kill or malice aforethought.

The focus on "sudden passion" highlights the temporary emotional state that can lead to an impulsive act of violence, distinguishing it from more calculated actions where a person may have planned to kill. This understanding reflects the legal perspective that seeks to account for human emotions and impulses that can arise in highly volatile situations.

In contrast, other options do not fit the definition of voluntary manslaughter. Intent to kill with premeditation aligns more closely with murder, while deaths resulting from illegal drug activity and those occurring during a robbery may fall under different charges, such as drug-related offenses or felony murder, respectively.