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Simple English definitions for legal terms
premeditated malice
Read a random definition: Reynolds v. Sims (1964)
A quick definition of premeditated malice:
Premeditated malice is a term used in law to describe the mental state required for the crime of murder. It means that the person who committed the crime had planned and intended to cause harm to another person. This can include intending to kill someone, intending to cause them serious injury, or being extremely reckless with their life. If someone commits a dangerous felony that leads to someone's death, they can also be charged with murder. In simpler terms, it means that the person who committed the crime meant to hurt or kill someone else.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Premeditated malice, also known as malice aforethought, is the mental state required for common-law murder. It includes any of the following: intent to kill, intent to cause serious bodily harm, reckless indifference to human life, or intent to commit a dangerous felony.
Examples:
- A person plans and carries out a murder, showing premeditated malice.
- Someone intentionally causes serious harm to another person, demonstrating premeditated malice.
- A person commits a felony, such as robbery, and during the commission of the crime, someone is killed. This also shows premeditated malice.
These examples illustrate how premeditated malice involves a deliberate and intentional act that results in harm or death to another person. It is a serious crime that can result in severe legal consequences.