This is a course describing the continuum from manslaughter to murder involved in the charges and evidence supporting the conviction of former police sergeant Derek Chauvin (Chauvin) in the killing of George Floyd (Floyd). Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck, causing Floyd’s death.

This was a case commanding national attention and contributed to the civil rights’ movement—Black Lives Matter. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case, and charged third-degree murder, second-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. The instructor discusses the charges and evidence within the manslaughter-to-murder continuum.

The course also highlights the charges against defendant Chauvin’s co-defendants (former police officers), and the pending criminal federal charges against defendant Chauvin and his co-defendants.