Legal Definitions - heat of passion

Definition: Heat of passion refers to a sudden and intense feeling of anger, fear, or hatred that is triggered by someone's words or actions.

Example 1: A man comes home to find his wife in bed with another man. In a fit of rage, he attacks and kills the other man.

Example 2: A woman is walking down the street when a stranger grabs her purse and runs away. She chases after him and, in the heat of the moment, hits him with a nearby object.

Both examples illustrate how a sudden provocation can trigger a strong emotional response that leads to impulsive and sometimes violent behavior. In both cases, the individuals acted without thinking, driven by their intense emotions.