Homicide (Murder And Manslaughter)

Criminal Defence Barristers

Our murder and manslaughter defence barristers have unrivalled experience in all types of homicide cases.

Across Chambers – at Leading and Junior levels – we consistently appear in high-profile murder and manslaughter cases, providing defence representation in all aspects of homicide, from contract killings and gang-land murders to cases of Loss of Control and Diminished Responsibility.

Other areas include:

  • Terrorism
  • Multi-handed murders
  • Baby shaking murders
  • Infanticide
  • Familial homicides
  • Sexually motivated murders
  • Gross negligence manslaughter
  • Corporate manslaughter

Homicide (Murder and Manslaughter) Defence Barristers

There are many legal defences for those accused of serious crimes involving death or serious injury.

Whether such defences can be raised will depend on the specific facts of individual cases.

Our Members have considerable experience with a number of murder and manslaughter cases, utilising some of the following:

Self-defence

The accused could claim they were being attacked – or about to be attacked – and used force to defend themselves that was considered reasonable under the circumstances.

Loss of control

At the time of the alleged offence, it could be argued that the accused could not consciously limit their behaviour due to experiencing overwhelming emotion.

Diminished responsibility

If it can be proved that – at the time of the offence – the accused was incapable of understanding the actions they were carrying out or could not exercise self-control, this defence could be used in a court of law.

Involuntary manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter can include gross negligence manslaughter, medical manslaughter and corporate manslaughter.

These cases are brought because it is an offence to cause a person’s death through a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by an organisation or employer to the deceased.

The circumstances of these offences are usually incredibly complex, and members of Libertas Chambers have extensive experience in defending these types of allegations.

Why Choose Libertas Chambers?

Our Members have been instructed in many ground-breaking Homicide cases. In particular, the Supreme Court’s decision of R v Jogee [2016] UKSC 8 and related joint enterprise cases involving overwhelming supervening events resulting in acquittals for Murder and Manslaughter.

We have significant expertise in representing young and vulnerable defendants charged with murder who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and other cognitive and neuro-diverse conditions.

We are highly experienced at representing individuals with a range of needs. We can ensure these needs are met and strive to ensure the trial process is fair and inclusive through appropriate intermediaries, adolescent neuropsychologists and psychiatrists at trial.

As well as being at the cutting edge of developments in homicide law, Members are known for their skilful handling of expert witnesses in the fields of pathology, psychiatry, blood spatter and DNA evidence. We ensure we keep abreast of developments in all areas of forensic evidence and regularly present lectures on these topics with the leading medical and scientific experts in these fields.

Members are currently instructed in appellate murder cases in multiple jurisdictions, including St Kitts, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands and have taken cases to the Privy Council.

Instruct LibertasTo discuss your case please contact our clerks by phone on +44 (0) 20 7036 0200 or email us at clerks@libertaschambers.com