Which of the following best describes the act of involuntary manslaughter?

Involuntary manslaughter is best described as the act of killing another person without the intent to kill, often occurring during the commission of a lawful act in a negligent or reckless manner. This definition captures scenarios where an otherwise lawful action results in unintended death due to a lack of due care. For instance, if someone is driving legally but engages in reckless behavior—such as excessive speeding or distracted driving—and causes a fatal accident, they may be charged with involuntary manslaughter, as their actions were not intended to kill but resulted in tragic consequences.

The other descriptions focus on intentional acts or self-defense, which are not applicable to involuntary manslaughter. Killing with intent and premeditation relate to murder, as they involve a deliberate choice to take a life. Killing in self-defense pertains to situations where someone believes they are protecting themselves from imminent harm, which is also a legal justification that does not align with the concept of involuntary manslaughter.