What is the difference between premeditated murder and murder in the heat of passion?

In Tennessee, premeditated murder is the most serious type of criminal homicide. It is defined as the intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought or after careful thought and planning. This type of murder requires that the perpetrator had time to think about committing the act and was not a spontaneous action. Murder in the heat of passion is a less serious type of criminal homicide. While a person may have an intention to kill, it is usually done without thought or consideration for the consequences. This type of murder is usually linked to a strong emotion like sudden anger or fear. The difference between premeditated murder and murder in the heat of passion is found in the degree of intent. Premeditated murder requires that the perpetrator has had time to process their intentions before carrying out the act. With murder in the heat of passion, the act is committed more impulsively without time to think of the consequences. In Tennessee, the difference between premeditated murder and murder in the heat of passion are important factors for the court to consider when deciding a sentence. Premeditated murder carries a harsher punishment with a possible sentence of life in state prison. Murder in the heat of passion carries a lighter sentence but still may involve a jail or prison term.

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