North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which crime is defined as killing another human being with malice and specific intent formed after premeditation?

1. Second Degree Murder

2. Voluntary Manslaughter

3. Involuntary Manslaughter

4. First Degree Murder

The correct answer is: First Degree Murder

The crime defined as killing another human being with malice and specific intent formed after premeditation is first degree murder. This type of murder requires that the offender had a clear intent to kill, demonstrating premeditation, meaning that the act was planned in advance. This indicates a higher level of culpability compared to other classifications of homicide. In first degree murder, the element of malice refers to the defendant's disregard for human life, where they knowingly engaged in conduct that could cause death. This premeditated approach distinguishes it from other forms of homicide, such as second degree murder, which may involve intent but lacks the level of planning or premeditation. Other offenses, like voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter, also differ significantly as they often involve circumstances that could mitigate the intent or severity, such as sudden provocation or lack of intent altogether. Therefore, the specific elements of premeditation and malice make first degree murder a distinct and more serious crime in the hierarchy of homicide.