What is the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree murder?

Answer 1

In the US :

- First Degree Murder: All premeditated murders, and (in some states) murders involving certain especially dangerous felonies, such as arson or rape, or committed by an inmate serving a life sentence.
- Second Degree Murder: Non pre-meditated killing.
- Third Degree Murder: Any other murder. (No intent to kill, in other countries called "Manslaughter")

"Murder : USA : Degrees of murder" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder#Degrees_of_murder

Answer 2

Third Degree Murders

Answer 3

Every state sets their own homicide laws, so they may not be the same thing everywhere. However, 1st degree murder is typically a premeditated murder. Second degree murder is one where there was an intent to kill, but it wasn't premeditated. Intent can be implied by conduct. Third degree murder (which many states do not have) would be any other murder. Murder doesn't include any form of manslaughter.

Answer 4

1st - In most states, first-degree murder is defined as an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated, meaning that it was committed after planning or "lying in wait" for the victim. For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Three days later, Dan waits behind a tree near Victor's front door. When Victor comes out of the house, Dan shoots and kills him. 2nd- Second-degree murder is ordinarily defined as 1) an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned, nor committed in a reasonable "heat of passion" or 2) a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the offender's obvious lack of concern for human life. Second-degree murder may best be viewed as the middle ground between first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. At a stoplight the next day, Dan sees Victor riding in the passenger seat of a nearby car. Dan pulls out a gun and fires three shots into the car, missing Victor but killing the driver of the car. 3rd- a killing that resulted from a depraved heart or extreme recklessness; and (4th degree) murder committed by an Accomplice during the commission of, attempt of, or flight from certain felonies.

Answer 5

i will tell you in simple words
1.means that you plotted (planed) the murder
2. means that you did not plan it

not many states use 3, my state (Florida) does not use it but i forgot what it really meant we didn't focus to much on it

Answer 6

This isn't exactly a history question. This one would be more of a law question.

Answer 7

i think: 1st is you killed, 2nd you were part of the killing but not physically did it, and 3rd you knew the plan of the killing, but werent there or physically did it. again I think.