First and Second Degree Murder

Question 1

In some jurisdictions, murder is divided into how many degrees by statute?

Answer 1

Two degrees

Question 2

What are the two degrees of murder?

Answer 2

First and second degree

Question 3

What is First degree murder?

Answer 3

First-degree murder is:
* a killing with malice aforethought and with premeditation and deliberation;
* a killing committed by heinous means (torture); or
* in some states, any felony murder

Question 4

What is second degree murder?

Answer 4

Second-degree murder is any killing that is not first degree.