Homicides include first degree murder, second degree murder, and manslaughter. First degree murder is the planning to cause death, the intention to cause death, and causing death. Second degree murder is the intention of cause death and causing death. Manslaughter is causing death while committing an act where it was foreseeable that the act could cause death.

​

The definitions above are boiled down as much as possible, but in court, and before a jury, the definitions of murder and manslaughter are much more nuanced and complicated. Trials for murder are normally conducted with a jury. 

​

Because of the often complicated nature of homicide trials, and jury trials in general, King Defence will assign two principle lawyers to manage a homicide file. The entire office becomes involved as the matter gets closer to trial. Two lawyers will run the trial, while other lawyers in the firm may sit in the gallery, taking notes on the evidence, and watching the reactions of the jury members and judge. This collaborative approach allows for the greatest chance of success at trial. 

 

Many homicide matters include forensic evidence. Knowledge of the forensic discipline is a must. That knowledge can be used to show the jury that the witness presenting the forensic evidence is mistaken, or that the evidence is weak and not trustworthy. Defence experts can also be called to counter the prosecution's forensic evidence. King Defence has used both techniques to achieve successful results at trial.