Criminal Law: First and Second Degree Murder [LEAP Preview]

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00:00 Introduction to the Pennsylvania Model
Explains how the Pennsylvania model modifies common law homicide by adding a final step that grades murder by degree.

02:32 Purpose of Grading Murder by Degree
Discusses why Pennsylvania’s 1794 law created first and second degree murder to reflect differences in seriousness and punishment.

05:13 Default Rule and Aggravating Circumstances
Clarifies that all murders start as second degree unless specific statutory aggravating circumstances elevate them to first degree.

06:33 Felony Murder as an Aggravator
Explains how certain felonies—often burglary, arson, rape, robbery, and kidnapping—raise a killing to first degree murder under the felony murder rule.

09:57 Heinous Murders
Covers murders committed in especially morally reprehensible ways, such as poisoning, lying in wait, torture, or mutilation, that qualify as first degree murder.

12:06 Premeditated Murder
Defines willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing, emphasizing that even brief reflection in a cool and dispassionate state can meet the standard.

14:37 Summary of Aggravating Circumstances
Recaps felony murder, heinous murder, and premeditated murder as the main factors elevating second degree murder to first degree.

14:56 Ace Law School & Pass the Bar Exam ($29/Month)
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