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Because each and every one of the 50 states has it's own constitution, laws and government. Some states have a strong police power written into their constitutions, and in those states, penalties for murder might be higher.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes it varies. Because in some states those found guilty of first degree murder are subject to the death penalty.
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How can you prove first-degree murder?
Murder in the first degree primarily entails prior knowledge of the crime, (proving x murder was planned before carried out) but one can be convicted of first degree if involved are (and this may vary by country, I am going by Canadian law) acts of mutilation, acts of sexual assault, or forcible confinement issues, though the case usually has to be extreme for a prosecutor to ask first of an 'unplanned' murder.
Is murder always illegal?
Yes, it is always illegal. It may not be punished if you can prove it was self-defense. The consequences vary depending on the laws in the state or country in question. The charges can range anywhere from First Degree Murder to unintentional manslaughter. The punishment can be anything from the death sentence to a fine.
What is the state mind required for murder?
The common definition of murder is to intentionally kill someone. The legal definition and application can vary slightly between states and more so between countries, but there are generally different degrees; there is a first degree murder with forethought and/or maliciousness, a second degree with an intent but lack of predetermination, and then other related crimes involving killing with less or no specific intent such as manslaughter or wanton negligence. Again generally, if there is evidence you planned a murder and/or show enough malice towards a specific person before the act, you will be charged with first degree murder. If, for example, a stranger provokes you at the gun range, you see red turn around and shoot him, that's probably lesser degree murder though prosecutors are free to argue up to first degree murder or down to manslaughter depending on the specific facts.
What is fourth degree murder?
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the third degree when he causes the death of another person either through criminal negligence or through the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony. === === First Degree Manslaughter A person is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree when he causes the death of another person under circumstances that would constitute murder except for the fact that he acts under the influence of an extreme emotional disturbance for which there is a reasonable excuse or explanation. Second Degree Manslaughter A person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when he recklessly causes the death of another person. Source: University of Kentucky, School of Law
What is the punishment for third degree murder in Pennsylvania?
The punishment for 2nd degree murder in PA is up to life in prison. The actual punishment will vary based on the crime and the circumstances in which it was committed.
How much jail time do you get for hiring a hitman?
Same as the guy that was going to do the murder, life in prison.
What is the definition of dangerous and unlawful manslaughter?
Depending on which country you are in the definition can vary slightly. It is considered to be Third Degree murder. Murder that is not planned but accidental.
What are the categorization of felony?
This can vary slightly by state (from highest punishment to lowest): * Capital Felony * First Degree Felony * Second Degree Felony * Third Degree Felony * State Jail Felony (different states name this differently).
How many for 1st degree murder?
Sentences are case specific. In some states, first degree murder can be punished with death.
What crimes carry the death penalty in the US?
The death penalty in the United States is almost exclusively reserved for the crime of first-degree murder (with aggravating circumstances in most states). Circumstances that are considered aggravating vary by state.The US Supreme Court's recent decision in Kennedy v. Louisiana, 554 US ___ (2008) has outlawed capital punishment for non-lethal rape of a child as a violation of the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. This overturned laws in six states, as well as a 2006 amendment to military code, that allowed capital punishment of sex crimes against children.At present, the only crimes that may carry a capital sentence are murder and crimes against the state (e.g., espionage, treason)Alabama: Intentional murder with 18 aggravating factorsArizona: First-degree murder accompanied by at least 1 of 14 aggravating factorsArkansas: Capital murder with a finding of at least 1 of 10 aggravating circumstances, as of 7/31/2007, includes murder committed in the course of: robbery, aggravated robbery, residential burglary, or commercial burglary; treason.California: First-degree murder with special circumstances; treason; perjury causing execution.Colorado: First-degree murder with at least 1 of 17 aggravating factors; first-degree kidnapping resulting in death; treasonConnecticut: Capital murder with with aggravating factors.Delaware: First-degree murder with at least 1 aggravating circumstances.Florida: First-degree murder; felony murderGeorgia: Murder; kidnapping with bodily injury or ransom when the victim dies; treason.Idaho: First-degree murder with aggravating factors; aggravated kidnapping; perjury resulting in death.Illinois: First-degree murder with 1 of 21 aggravating circumstances; treason.Indiana: Murder with 1 of 16 aggravating circumstances.Kansas: Capital murder with 1 of 8 aggravating circumstances.Kentucky: Murder with aggravating factors; kidnapping with aggravating factors.Louisiana: First-degree murder; treason.Maryland: First-degree murder, either premeditated or during the commission of a felony, provided that certain death eligibility requirements are satisfied.Mississippi: Capital murder; treason.Missouri: First-degree murder; treason.Montana: Capital murder with 1 of 9 aggravating circumstances.Nebraska: First-degree murder with at least one aggravating circumstance.Nevada: First-degree murder with at least 1 of 15 aggravating circumstances.New Hampshire: Six categories of capital murder.North Carolina: First-degree murder.Ohio: Aggravated murder with at least 1 of 10 aggravating circumstances.Oklahoma: First-degree murder in conjunction with a finding of at least 1 of 8 aggravating circumstances.Oregon: Murder with unspecified number of 12 aggravating factors.Pennsylvania: First-degree murder with 18 aggravating circumstances.South Carolina: Murder with 1 of 12 aggravating circumstances.South Dakota: First-degree murder with 1 of 10 aggravating circumstances.Tennessee: First-degree murder with 1 of 20 aggravating circumstances.Texas: Criminal homicide with 1 of 9 aggravating circumstances.Utah: Murder with 1 of 17 aggravating factors.Virginia: First-degree murder with 1 of 13 aggravating circumstances.Washington: First-degree murder with unspecified number of aggravating factors; treason.Wyoming: First-degree murder, including murder during the commission of sexual abuse of a minor.FEDERAL: First-degree murder; Espionage; Treason(Updated November 4, 2009)Mostly just murder.
What is the difference between the three degrees of murder?
The three degrees of murder typically refer to varying levels of intent and severity of the crime. First-degree murder is premeditated and intentional, while second-degree murder is intentional but not premeditated. Third-degree murder is often defined as unintentional but with reckless disregard for human life. The specific definitions and classifications can vary by jurisdiction.
What is the stature if limitations on a felony?
It depends on the state and the felony. There is none for murder and the rest vary.
