Crime of passion
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A crime of passion, in popular usage, refers to a crime in which the perpetrator commits a crime, specially assault or murder, against a spouse or other loved one because of sudden jealous rage or heartbreak rather than as a premeditated crime. A typical crime of passion, for example, might involve a jealous husband who discovers his wife has been cheating on him and proceeds to murder her and possibly the man she was involved with. While the concept of the crime of passion is not officially recognized in law, it is sometimes used by defense lawyers because of the fact that in popular opinion, if not in courts of law, the commission of murder or of grievous bodily harm is viewed more sympathetically when it is a crime of passion.
Societies in which honor forms a governing principle may react similarly to altercations caused by personal insults or may defer immediate action preferring to consult among family members and act in concert.
In some countries, notably France, crime passionnel (or crime of passion) is a valid defense during murder cases.
See also
Crimes of Passion are also a Rock Band from Rotherham, England.