What is the difference between first and second degree murder?

The difference between first and second degree murder in California is one of intent and severity. First degree murder is the most serious type of homicide and is always intentional. It involves premeditation, meaning the killer planned the murder beforehand. It also involves extreme atrocity or cruelty and usually requires special circumstances to be classified as such. Examples of special circumstances include murder for financial gain or multiple victims. Second degree murder is less serious than first degree but is still intentional. It is often committed in the heat of the moment and without premeditation. Although it could be committed as an act of extreme cruelty, it is more often committed based on negligence or recklessness. For instance, if a person is driving under the influence and causes a fatal accident, that could be considered second degree murder. In California, first degree murder carries a prison sentence of 25 years to life, whereas second degree murder carries a sentence between 15 and life in prison.

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What is the difference between first and second degree murder?

What is the difference between first and second degree murder?

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