What term refers to the act of killing another person through unlawful means, often involving general intent?

The term that refers to the act of killing another person through unlawful means, often involving general intent, is homicide. Homicide is a broad legal term that encompasses any instance of one person causing the death of another, whether intentional or unintentional. It does require a degree of intent or recklessness and can include various classifications such as murder and manslaughter, depending on the circumstances.

Manslaughter, while it involves the unlawful killing of another person, is specifically defined as a lesser charge than murder and typically involves circumstances that mitigate the intention behind the act, such as acting in the heat of passion. Thus, it would not encompass all unlawful killings, particularly those with general intent.

Assault, on the other hand, refers to the act of causing fear of imminent harm to another person, rather than resulting in death. Accidental death refers to unintentional fatalities that occur without criminal intent, which is a different legal context altogether.

Therefore, homicide is the appropriate term that captures the act of unlawfully killing another person, reflecting the necessary understanding of intent within the context of the law.