Which element is involved in voluntary manslaughter?

Voluntary manslaughter is characterized by the act of killing another person in a fit of passion or in response to provocation, but it lacks the element of malice aforethought. This means that the act is carried out without the intentional desire to kill that distinguishes it from murder. Instead, the individual often acts impulsively, in a state of emotional disturbance that reduces culpability compared to murder.

The option that states "killing without malice" aligns perfectly with this definition, as the lack of malice indicates that the killing was not premeditated or done with the intent to cause serious harm, which is the critical distinction between voluntary manslaughter and other more serious homicide charges. In examining the other options, they suggest elements that indicate intent or premeditation, which do not apply to voluntary manslaughter, affirming that the correct choice focuses on the absence of malice.