The Meaning of First Degree Murder

The Meaning of First Degree Murder Written by R. A. Stewart The United States has various degrees of murder depending on it’s severity and circumstances. The most common definition of first degree murder is the deliberate and intentional killing of another person. First degree murder is the most serious type of murder and usually results in the harshest punishment of life without the possibility of parole and in some cases the death penalty. What are the factors which result in a charge of first degree murder? If the death of another person was: 1. Premeditated 2. Deliberate 3. Willfullness 4. Felony murder Each state has its own definition of first degree murder and this could vary by jurisdiction. The definition of premeditation is that the defendant had intended to kill the victim using careful and thoughtful deliberation. This kind of thinking requires time to reflect, deliberate, and weigh up their decision to kill. Prior planning and deliberation often go hand in hand...