Northern Ireland is to be included in a major review to reform the law on murder and manslaughter.
A consultation paper outlining proposals for partial defences to murder of provocation and diminished responsibility, reformed offences of complicity in homicide and improved procedures for dealing with baby killings has been published.
The North's security minister Paul Goggins said: "This consultation looks at specific aspects of the operation of the law of murder to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.
"The law needs to be clear and fair so that people have confidence in the criminal justice system.
"We want to have an open and inclusive debate on the issues before we introduce any changes to the law."
The law on provocation requires more clarity, diminished responsibility should take account of current medical thinking and defining complicity in murder is complex and uncertain, with some gangs able to escape responsibility.
For infanticide, following a recent court judgment, the proposal is to amend the law to make it clear that this cannot be charged in cases that would not currently be homicide at all.
Judena Goldring, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Law Commission, said: "In line with our desire to see greater participation in the development of law, we encourage everyone with an interest to consider the consultation paper and make their views known."
PA