Law of Murder in United States

In the United States, murder is criminal homicide generally classified into first-degree murder and second-degree murder, but some states also include third-degree murder.

First-degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious form of murder in the United States. It is generally defined as a premeditated and intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought.

Malice aforethought refers to the defendant's deliberate planning and decision to kill another person, and may include acts of torture, poisoning, or other actions that demonstrate a deliberate intent to cause death.

In some states, first-degree murder also includes murders committed during the commission of another felony, such as robbery or rape. This is known as felony murder, and it holds the defendant responsible for any death that occurs during the commission of the underlying felony, even if the death was unintentional.

The penalties for first-degree murder can vary depending on the state, but it is generally considered the most serious crime a person can commit and is often punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. In some states, the death penalty has been abolished, and the maximum penalty for first-degree murder is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Defences to first-degree murder include self-defence, defence of others, and the defence of necessity. In some cases, the defendant may be able to argue that they were under extreme emotional distress at the time of the killing, which could reduce the charge from first-degree murder to a lesser offence, such as voluntary manslaughter.

Second-degree Murder
Second-degree murder is a type of homicide that is less serious than first-degree murder but more serious than voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. It is generally defined as an intentional killing that was not premeditated or planned in advance.

The key distinction between first-degree murder and second-degree murder is the element of premeditation. While first-degree murder requires a deliberate intent to kill with planning and forethought, second-degree murder does not.

In some states, second-degree murder may also include killings that occurred during the commission of another felony, such as a robbery or burglary, even if the killing was not premeditated.

The penalties for second-degree murder can vary depending on the state, but it is generally considered a serious crime and punishable by a lengthy term of imprisonment. In some states, the maximum penalty for second-degree murder is life imprisonment.

Defences to second-degree murder include self-defence, defence of others, and the defence of necessity. In some cases, the defendant may be able to argue that they acted in the heat of passion or under extreme emotional distress at the time of the killing, which could reduce the charge from second-degree murder to voluntary manslaughter.

Third-degree Murder
Third-degree murder, which is a term used in Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania, is not recognised in all states. The exact definition of third-degree murder can vary depending on the state in which it is defined.

In Minnesota, it is defined as unintentional killing of another through an eminently dangerous act committed with a depraved mind and without regard for human life.

In Florida, third-degree murder is defined as the unintentional, unlawful killing of a human being while committing a nonviolent felony.

In Pennsylvania, third-degree murder is defined as any murder of a human being that is not first or second-degree murder.

This can include situations where the defendant had no intent to kill but acted in a way that created a risk of death or serious bodily harm. Therefore, one can be found guilty of third-degree murder in drug-related deaths by selling, delivering or administering a controlled substance.

The penalties for third-degree murder can vary depending on the state, but it is generally considered a less serious offence than first or second-degree murder. It may be punishable by a significant term of imprisonment, but not as severe as the penalties for more serious forms of murder.

It is important to note that the definition and classification of crimes, including murder, can vary significantly between different states and jurisdictions in the United States.