“激情杀人”其实是属于voluntary Manslaughter的一种。Manslaughter强调杀人是“没有预谋的”，可分为involuntary manslaughter（无故意非预谋杀人罪）和voluntary manslaughter（非预谋但故意杀人罪，比如一时冲动下的“激情杀人”）。

关于这一词，有一个专门的术语，即heat of passion manslaughter。

The heat of passion manslaughter, which falls under first-degree manslaughter, can subject you to serious criminal penalties if you are ultimately convicted. In order to convict you, a prosecutor must demonstrate your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A judge may sentence you to serve jail time and/or pay fines.