What are the two principals of homicide?

Answer 1

I believe the questioner is referring to Murder and Manslaughter.

Homicide, itself, is the overall term for the act of killing of another person, which may, or may not, be justifiable in law.

Although the term homicide is sometimes used synonymously with murder, they do not mean the same thing. Homicide is broader in scope than murder.

Some homicides are regarded as justified or excusable. For example, individuals may, in a necessary act of 'self defense' may kill a person who threatens them with death or serious injury, or they may be commanded or authorized by law to kill a person who is a member of an enemy force or who has committed a serious crime.

Whereas - murder is a form of criminal homicide. Typically, the circumstances surrounding a killing determine whether it is criminal or not. The intent of the killer usually determines whether a criminal homicide is classified as murder or manslaughter and to what degree.

Answer 2

The two principles of homicide are actus reus and mens rea. Actus reus refers to the wrongful act or behavior that caused the death of another person, while mens rea refers to the intention or mental state behind the act. Both actus reus and mens rea must be present for an act to be classified as homicide.