Murder

Share This
« Back to Glossary Index

Murder is an intentional killing of another human being

The intentional killing of a human being with malice aforethought and without legal excuse or justification. Many states consider it murder when a killing results while in the course of a felony such as a carjacking or a robbery.

Most states consider it murder when the killing results from torture, kidnapping, or the death of a police officer.

Murder Has Different Degrees 

Murder can be charged in different degrees, such as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and murder in the third degree.

In the 2021 George Floyd case in which a non-armed black pedestrian was detained and then strangled to death by a white police officer, the jury convicted the Defendant officer with, among other counts, the crimes of murder and manslaughter.

If you are accused of a crime, it is advised you consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney.

Related Articles

Expungement: How to Clear Your Criminal Record

July 26, 2021
Due to today's search technology, nearly anyone has informational access to other people's lives, including whether someone has a criminal record. According to the American Progress for Justice, over 70 million Americans have a criminal record that can come- up on background checks. Criminal Records are Publicly Accessible Purpose of Expungement The primary purpose of expunging…
Read more →

Federal Enforcement Agencies

June 21, 2021
This article covers the major categories of federal criminal law and the government agencies that enforce them, including the U.S. Attorneys that prosecute defendants in federal district court.  Federal Crimes And Enforcement Agencies Inside the federal court are those lawyers, judges, and administrators that make up the workings of the federal criminal justice system. The…
Read more →

Murder vs. Manslaughter: Legal Definitions and Distinctions

July 14, 2021
Within the general classification of homicide, which is legally defined as an act or omission which causes the death of another, there are the crimes of murder and manslaughter. The essential difference between murder and manslaughter is the degree of intent and requisite state of mind of the person committing the homicide. In legal terms,…
Read more →

Types of Criminal Defenses

February 3, 2022
There are a variety of criminal defenses that may allow a defendant to avoid legal responsibility for their criminal actions. This article spotlights some of the most common affirmative and mitigating defenses to crimes, such as self-defense, duress-coercion, heat of passion, diminished capacity, insanity, and temporary insanity. Understanding Criminal Defenses Presumption of Innocence Under the law,…
Read more →

Affiliate disclosure

GotTrouble.org is a one-stop free and open consumer information and expert resource.

Our information helps guide people through the complexity of life-changing legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

One way of doing this is by providing our visitors with a wide range of third-party resources. Some of which are affiliates.

Should you visit an affiliate, we will disclose this fact, and we may earn a commission. We ask that you use your independent judgment in deciding whether an offered service or product fits your needs and purposes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with us at inquiries@GotTrouble.org.