What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

In Arizona, the difference between murder and manslaughter is a matter of degree and intent. Murder is the most serious form of criminal homicide and is typically classified as first, second, and third-degree murder. First-degree murder is a premeditated and intentional killing, which is a felony with severe penalties. Second-degree murder is a non-premeditated and intentional killing, which is also a felony with severe penalties. Third-degree murder is a felony that can be charged in certain cases when the death of a person is the result of knowingly doing or not doing something that is expected to cause serious physical injury or death. Manslaughter is a form of criminal homicide in which the perpetrator did not intend to kill the victim. It can be classified as voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter typically occurs when a person kills another person in the heat of passion, such as a fight or an argument. In Arizona, voluntary manslaughter is a Class 2 felony. Involuntary manslaughter is the accidental killing of a person without the intent to cause death, such as an accidental shooting. In Arizona, involuntary manslaughter is a Class 4 felony.

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