second-degree murder

[ sek-uhnd-di-gree mur-der ]

noun

, Law.

1. murder1

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-degree murder¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Sikh businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik in 2022.

From BBC

The second-degree murder pleas mean they will automatically receive life sentences with the only question being how long they have to serve before they can apply for parole, Canadian public broadcaster CBC reports.

From BBC

Ursual Juarez pleaded no context to second-degree murder and torture and faces 22 years to life in prison.

From Los Angeles Times

All five former officers involved face state charges of second-degree murder, though two officers not in court on Thursday have agreed to plead guilty.

From Salon

Lua and Negrete-Larios are both serving sentences for attempted second-degree murder and other convictions.

From Los Angeles Times