What is a key element of involuntary manslaughter under the Model Penal Code?

Under the Model Penal Code (MPC), a key element of involuntary manslaughter is recklessness. Involuntary manslaughter is characterized by a lack of intent to kill or to cause serious bodily harm, which distinguishes it from other types of homicide. Instead, it involves a person engaging in conduct that creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death or serious injury to another person. The actor's recklessness reflects a conscious disregard for that risk.

To qualify as reckless behavior under the MPC, a person must be aware of and consciously disregard a substantial risk of harm that constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a law-abiding person would observe in the same situation. This aligns with the nature of involuntary manslaughter, where the resulting death is unintended but arises from actions taken with reckless indifference to the safety of others.

In contrast, the other choices reflect elements associated with different forms of homicide or criminal conduct. Intent to cause serious bodily harm is more aligned with other homicide charges, such as second-degree murder. Deliberate actions to cause harm suggest an intentional aspect more fitting for murder rather than involuntary manslaughter. Intent to commit a felony typically relates to the felony murder rule, which also requires a specific