accidental killing
accidental killing. Homicide resulting from a lawful act performed in a lawful manner under a reasonable belief that no harm could occur. — Also termed death by misadventure; homicide by misadventure; killing by misad-venture; homicide per infortunium. See justifiable homicide under HOMICIDE; involuntary manslaughter under MANSLAUGHTER. Cf. MALICIOUS KILLING. [Cases: Homicide 762.]