Homicide Basics
The unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought.
What is murder?
The only crime that can result in the death penalty today.
What is first-degree murder?
The original term meaning intentional killing planned in advance.
What is “express” malice aforethought?
This amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the 8th Amendment?
This type of trial process separates guilt determination from sentencing.
What is bifurcation?
Killing a person without malice aforethought.
What is manslaughter?
These murders include intentional but not premeditated killings.
What are second-degree murders?
This type of murder involves extreme recklessness showing disregard for human life.
What is depraved heart murder?
The first recorded execution in the colonies was of this man in 1608.
Who was Captain George Kendall?
A husband who caught his wife committing adultery once had this legal defense.
What is the paramour rule?
A killing that is neither justified nor excused.
What is criminal homicide?
A killing done in the “heat of passion” after adequate provocation.
What is voluntary manslaughter?
The intent to cause this can result in murder, even without intent to kill.
What is intent to cause serious bodily injury?
The U.S. Supreme Court halted all death sentences in this 1972 case.
What is Furman v. Georgia?
he principle that mere “words can never” qualify as legal provocation for manslaughter.
What is the “words can never provoke” rule?
Killing in self-defense is legally classified as this
What is justifiable homicide?
Unintentional killing caused by criminal negligence.
What is involuntary manslaughter?
The doctrine that assumes intent to kill when a deadly weapon is used on another person.
What is the deadly weapon doctrine?
This case reinstated the death penalty in 1976 after reforms in Georgia.
What is Gregg v. Georgia?
This 2002 case ruled against executing people with intellectual disabilities.
What is Atkins v. Virginia?
The killing of a fetus is legally referred to as this.
What is feticide?
The rule stating that unintentional deaths during felonies are considered murder.
What is the felony murder rule?
The mental element in killing can be purposeful, knowing, or reckless — known as this.
What is murder mens rea?
This case banned the execution of juveniles who committed crimes before turning 18.
What is Roper v. Simmons?
illing someone “under the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance” may qualify as this.
What is extreme mental or emotional disturbance manslaughter?