Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being. In the American legal system, murder is divided into three categories: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder. The classification of the murder impacts the sentencing and penalties the accused may face. Here are the differences between the three types of murders:

First-Degree Murder

• This is the most serious type of murder and carries the most severe punishment of any crime: death or life imprisonment without parole.
• It is characterized by intent that is premeditated, willful, planned, and deliberate.
• Examples of first-degree murder include a death occurring in the process of committing another felony, a person being killed while being tortured, and killing using a weapon or poison of mass destruction, armor-piercing ammunition, or an explosive device.

Second-Degree Murder

• This type of murder typically occurs while committing a felony such as robbery and is punishable by life imprisonment without parole.
• It is less serious than first-degree murder but more serious than third-degree murder.
• Second-degree murder is one that doesn’t have any kind of premeditation and may only have been intended to cause harm, rather than death.
• Examples of second-degree murder include shooting and killing someone in a crowded room in the heat of the moment, killing a law enforcement officer, and shooting and killing from a car.

Third-Degree Murder

• This is the lowest level of criminal homicide but can still result in serious sentences.
• It is any intentional killing that involves no prior intent to kill and which was committed under such circumstances that would "cause a reasonable person to become emotionally or mentally disturbed".
• Third-degree murder is sometimes called a crime of passion murder and is committed on the spot under a spur-of-the-moment choice.
• Examples of third-degree murder include a man retrieving a gun from his closet to shoot and kill a man found in bed and a killing in which the killer was being careless, as in vehicular homicide.

It is important to note that the classification of murder charges may vary by state, and the exact statutory definition of each t...