The type of voluntary manslaughter provided for in subsection 9-2(b) of the Illinois Criminal Code has been characterized as a killing performed in the 'unreasonable belief that deadly force is necessary to protect (the actor) from imminent death or great bodily harm,' and is at times referred to as an imperfect claim to the right of self-defense. To convict under 9-2(b), it must be shown that the accused acted intentionally or knowingly, the accused believed the killing would be excused or justified under article 7 of the Code, and such belief was unreasonable. The latter two elements are closely related and considered together, as the requirement of reasonableness is an integral portion of any self-defense claim. Subsection 9-2(b) works well as a compromise between murder and exoneration. Overall, this second definition of voluntary manslaughter permits the aggressor-killer to be convicted of murder, the retreating-aggressor or excessive defender to be convicted of voluntary manslaughter, and the legitimate self-defender to be exonerated. As the legitimate self-defender to be exonerated. As such, it appears to be a welcome addition to the law in any jurisdiction. Ninety-six footnotes are provided.