Murder
First Degree MurderFirst-degree murder, most serious of all homicide charges, is reserved for situations where the person accused of the homicide planned the killing and intended for the victim to die because of his or her actions. These cases are usually the most heinous crimes and as such, the most severe punishments are usually reserved for these convictions. In many states, those convicted of first-degree murder will face the death penalty or life in prison.
ManslaughterThe charge of manslaughter is reserved for instances where the accused did not plan the crime nor did he or she intend for the victim to die because of his or her actions. Manslaughter charges usually arise out of accidental circumstances where a person died because of the event. Sentences for those convicted of manslaughter vary widely depending on state laws and the circumstances of the event in question.
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Second Degree MurderSecond-degree murder is a charge reserved for cases where it cannot be proved that the killer planned the killing but where the killer still intended that the victim die because of her or her actions. Situations where second-degree murder charges arise are sometimes described as "crimes of passion" or instances where the killing occurred in the "heat of passion." In some states, individuals convicted of this crime can face life in prison with or without the possibility of parole, depending on the state’s laws and the situation’s circumstances.
Justifiable HomicideJustifiable homicide is reserved for situations where an individual killed another in self-defense or similar circumstances. This really is not a legal charge, but rather a classification for which authorities can register an event where an individual died but no crime was committed. In these situations, no criminal charges are filed.
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