What is the state mind required for murder?

Answer 1

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.