second degree murder
Intentional, not premeditated
Second degree murder is an unlawful killing that is intentional but not premeditated—distinguished from first degree murder by the absence of planning.
The killer acts with malice in the moment rather than forethought: He was convicted of second degree murder after the bar fight turned fatal.
Definitions vary by jurisdiction, but the crime typically carries lighter sentences than first degree murder.
- homicideCausing another's death
- killingCausing death deliberately
- felonySerious criminal offense
- intentPlanned purpose
- maliceIntent to cause harm
provocation · heat of passion · voluntary · involuntary · verdict · prosecution · defendant · conviction · aggravating factors · sentencing · life sentence · prison · courtroom · jury · beyond reasonable doubt · guilty · criminal · reckless
- homicidehomicide, homicide rate, homicide rates, manslaughter, killing
- killingshomicide, manslaughter, killing, assassination, voluntary manslaughter
- verdictsguilty verdict, guilty, not guilty, acquitted, innocent
second degree murderfirst degree murder
Intentional, planned unlawful killing
premeditated murder · involuntary manslaughter · negligent homicide · accidental killing · capital murder
second degree murderjustifiable homicide
Legally sanctioned taking of life
self-defense killing · accidental death · act of God · innocent · natural death
second degree murderlifesaving
Preserving human existence
rescue · resuscitation · medical treatment · life preservation · protection
second, secondly, seconds, seconded, seconding, degree, degrees, murder, murders