Legal Definitions - hot blood

Definition: Hot blood, also known as heat of passion, refers to a sudden and intense feeling of rage, terror, or hatred that is provoked by someone's words or actions.

At common law, the heat of passion could be used as a mitigating circumstance that would reduce a murder charge to manslaughter. This means that if someone killed another person in the heat of passion, they may not be charged with murder but with a lesser crime like manslaughter.

For example, if someone walks in on their spouse cheating on them and in a fit of rage, kills their spouse's lover, they may be charged with manslaughter instead of murder because their actions were provoked by the heat of passion.

It's important to note that the heat of passion doesn't excuse someone's actions, but it can be used to explain why they acted the way they did.

Examples:

• A man walks in on his girlfriend cheating on him and in a fit of rage, punches the other man. He could be charged with assault, but if it can be proven that he acted in the heat of passion, he may receive a lesser sentence.
• A woman is walking home alone at night and is suddenly attacked by a stranger. In the heat of terror, she fights back and injures her attacker. Her actions may be seen as self-defense and she may not be charged with a crime.

These examples illustrate how the heat of passion can be used to explain someone's actions in a particular situation. It's important to remember that the heat of passion is not an excuse for violent behavior, but it can be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate punishment for a crime.