Which degree of murder involves intent to kill without premeditation?

The degree of murder that involves intent to kill without premeditation is known as Murder in the Second Degree. This categorization specifically refers to instances where the offender has a clear intent to cause death or great bodily harm but has acted impulsively, without having planned the act beforehand.

In this context, the key distinction of Murder in the Second Degree lies in its lack of premeditation and deliberation. The perpetrator engages in a spontaneous act driven by their intention to inflict serious harm. This is in contrast to other degrees of murder, such as First Degree Murder, which is characterized by a calculated plan or premeditation.

Understanding this framework helps delineate the severity and implications of various homicide charges, clarifying that Second Degree Murder acknowledges the infractions committed with intent, but without the element of prior planning that characterizes First Degree cases.