second-degree murder

American  

[sek-uhnd-di-gree mur-der] / ˈsɛk ənd dɪˌgri ˈmɜr dər /

noun

Law.

1. murder1

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Etymology

Origin of second-degree murder

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

During a recent appeals argument, Grossman’s attorney, Lara Gressley, told the panel that the law allowed for a conviction for manslaughter, not second-degree murder, which requires the defendant to have acted with “implied malice.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then, the presiding judge declared a mistrial on additional counts of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter as the jury did not produce a unanimous decision.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021, a Minnesota jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the 2020 in-custody death of George Floyd.

From The Wall Street Journal

Earlier this year, Jackson secured an acquittal on second-degree murder charges for Karen Read, who was charged with killing her boyfriend, a Boston police officer.

From Los Angeles Times

Ferguson was first put on trial in March, but a mistrial was declared when the jury deadlocked on a charge of second-degree murder.

From Los Angeles Times