Murder Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Murder.

Murder (noun):

Murder refers to the intentional and unlawful act of causing the death of another human being. It typically denotes premeditation, with the perpetrator acting deliberately out of malice or revenge.

There are various degrees and forms of murder, determined by the court of law based on the specifics of the act. "First-degree" murder usually implies pre-planned intent, whereas "second-degree" murder involves less forethought but is still viewed as a serious offense. Notably, if the victim dies more than a year after the initial act of violence, the attacker typically cannot be charged with murder.