Seisay and Siaffa v Reginam
1960s · Court of Appeal of Sierra Leone
Posted By lanbuk.com
- Facts
- Death followed an illegal operation carried out by the accused.
- Issue
- Was the killing murder or manslaughter?
- Held
- It is murder if the accused contemplated, or as reasonable men must have contemplated, that death or grievous bodily harm was likely; if the act merely risked some lesser harm, it is manslaughter.
- Principle
- requires intent to kill or cause GBH, or knowledge that death or GBH is probable.
- Why it matters
- Explains the line between murder and manslaughter where death follows a dangerous act.
Words and Latin in this note
- Malice aforethought
- The mental element of murder: an intention to kill, or an intention to cause grievous bodily harm. It need not be planned in advance. Open the note.
For study only. By lanbuk.com. Always check current sources and consult a qualified professional.