The primary distinction between first and second-degree murder is that first-degree murder is premeditated, while second-degree is not (Hall, 2014). Unlike common law, states now have written laws that divide the degree of murder (Hall, 2014). First degree would be the most severe form of murder and will carry harsher punishments than second degree. There are elements to the laws that help differentiate the two degrees of murder.
First-degree murder is murder that was done on purpose (Hall, 2014). The written statute will contain language that defines the elements, and first-degree murder will commonly use words such as willful, deliberate, and premeditated (Hall, 2014). This would mean the murder was intentional, preplanned or thought
First-degree murder is murder that was done on purpose (Hall, 2014). The written statute will contain language that defines the elements, and first-degree murder will commonly use words such as willful, deliberate, and premeditated (Hall, 2014). This would mean the murder was intentional, preplanned or thought