What defines infanticide?

• A. Killing a child older than one year
• B. Killing a newborn within 24 hours
• C. Killing a child under 1 year old
• D. Killing a teenager

Answer: (C)

Infanticide is legally defined as the act of killing a child, specifically a newborn or very young child. The correct answer states that it involves killing a child under one year old, which aligns with most legal definitions across various jurisdictions. This age range captures the vulnerable period of infancy when children are wholly dependent on caregivers, and when motivations for infanticide often relate to mental health issues, social stigma, or lack of support.

While the other options focus on different age groups, they do not align with the established concept of infanticide. For instance, killing a child older than one year or a teenager does not fall under the traditional legal understanding of infanticide, as these individuals are considered beyond the infant stage. Similarly, killing a newborn within the first 24 hours does not encompass the broader definition that includes all children under one year old, thus limiting the understanding of the term to just a specific timeframe. In sum, the correct answer comprehensively captures the essence of infanticide as defined in both legal and sociocultural contexts.