Ch 7: Criminal Homicide & Murder

1. Corpus Delicti: Definition & Rule

Corpus delicti is a common law rule that was initiated over 300 hundred years ago in order to protect those in England who were innocent or even confessed to crimes that they never committed. Read on to learn more about this rule and then take a quiz.

2. Feticide: Definition, Laws & Cases

When a pregnant woman is murdered, many states are adding a homicide charge for the death of the fetus. In this lesson, we will learn the definition of feticide and explore the laws prohibiting it.

3. Required Elements for Murder

Murder is a crime, but what constitutes murder? In this lesson, we'll learn what the law says is required before someone who has killed another can be convicted of murder.

4. Malice Aforethought: Legal Definition & Examples

Malice aforethought is the conscious, premeditated intent to kill another human. A prosecutor must prove this level of intent before someone can be convicted of first degree murder. This lesson will explore the meaning of malice aforethought and provide examples of how it is used.

5. Justifiable & Excusable Homicides: Definitions & Examples

When a human being kills another human being, it's called homicide. It may or may not be a crime, however. In this lesson, we will explore the circumstances where a homicide is not a crime.

6. Case Study: Laci Peterson & the Unborn Victims of Violence Act

Laci Peterson was eight months pregnant when she was murdered by her husband Scott Peterson. As a result of the murder, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act was passed in 2004. This lesson will discuss the murder case and the passing of this act.

7. What Is Felony Murder? - Definition, Rule & Doctrine

Some states use a felony murder doctrine, which allows a person to be convicted of murder when that person didn't mean to kill, but was committing another felony. This lesson explains the felony murder doctrine.

8. Enmund v. Florida: Facts, Decision, & Significance

When is the death penalty not allowed? This lesson will examine the Supreme Court case ''Enmund v. Florida,'' including a discussion of the court decision and an exploration of the significance of this case.

9. Manslaughter & Murder: Definition & Differences

Manslaughter and murder are criminal charges brought for a criminal homicide. In this lesson, you'll learn the difference between the two and find out what it takes for a prosecutor to prove either one in court.

10. People v. Berry: Facts, Decision, & Significance

The difference between murder and manslaughter often hinges on the state of mind of the killer. In this lesson, we will see how the California Supreme Court decided whether a case was premeditated or in the heat of passion.