FELONY MURDER Meaning and
Definition
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Felony murder is a legal concept that refers to a specific type of murder charge in criminal law. It is a doctrine whereby a person can be held liable for the killing of another person that occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if the person did not have the intent to kill.
Under the felony murder rule, a person can be held responsible for a killing if they are involved in the commission of a serious felony such as robbery, burglary, arson, rape, or kidnapping, and a death occurs as a direct result of that felony. This legal doctrine holds that individuals engaged in inherently dangerous felonies should be held accountable for any resulting fatalities, regardless of their intentions.
The fundamental premise behind the felony murder rule is that individuals who choose to engage in inherently dangerous and unlawful activities should be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with those actions. The rule aims to deter individuals from committing felonies that could result in death and provides a measure of justice for victims by holding accountable those who contributed to the fatal outcome.
It is important to note that the application of the felony murder rule varies across jurisdictions, with some jurisdictions requiring proof of foreseeability or a causal connection between the felony and the death. Additionally, some jurisdictions impose different degrees of liability based on the level of participation or intent in the underlying felony.
Etymology of FELONY MURDER
The word "felony murder" is a legal term that combines the words "felony" and "murder".
The term "felony" originated from the Latin term "felonia", which means "wickedness" or "evil deed". It was commonly used in medieval English law to describe serious offenses that were considered detrimental to society. Over time, the term evolved to refer to crimes that carry significant punishments, often categorized as more severe than misdemeanors.
The term "murder" comes from the Old English word "morðor", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "murþrō", meaning "secret killing". Murder originally referred to the unlawful intentional killing of another person.
When combined into the term "felony murder", it describes a specific legal concept.
