Explore the legal terms and concepts related to Murder. Click on any term below to learn more about its definition and applications.
What is malice aforethought?
Malice aforethought is the mental state required for murder, and consists of either (1) intent to ki...
What is involuntary manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter is a homicide committed without malice under one of 3 circumstances: (1) c...
What is imperfect self-defense?
A defendant who intentionally kills a victim in good faith, but under an unreasonable mistaken belie...
What is voluntary manslaughter and what is the test used to determine it?
Voluntary manslaughter is a killing that would be murder but for the existence of adequate provocati...
What is the Felony Murder Rule?
Under the Felony Murder Rule, a defendant is culpable for a homicide committed during the perpetrati...
What is a homicide?
Homicide is the killing of a person caused by the defendant. "Caused by the defendant" means either...
What is murder?
Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. All murder is second degre...
What is the proximate cause theory of the Felony Murder Rule?
Felons are liable for the deaths of the innocent victims caused by someone other than a co-felon.
What is deliberation?
Deliberation means killing in a cool, calm, and dispassionate manner.
What is premeditation?
Premeditation occurs where one reflects on the idea of killing, even if briefly.
What is the agency theory of the Felony Murder Rule?
The killing must be committed by a co-felon or his "agent" for the felon to be liable.
What are the five inherently dangerous felonies that trigger the Felony Murder Rule?
BARRK Burglary Arson Rape Robbery Kidnapping
