Murder in Massachusetts law

Murder in Massachusetts law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had one of the lowest murder rates in the country.^[1]

The felony murder rule in Massachusetts applies for second-degree murder.^[2]

Definitions

First-degree murder

First-degree murder is the most serious homicide offense in Massachusetts. It constitutes an intentional killing with premeditation, a murder executed with extreme atrocity and cruelty, or the killing of a person caused by the commission or attempted commission of a felony that can be punished by life in prison regardless of intent. For adult offenders, it is punished only by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. For juvenile offenders, it is punished only by life-with-parole.

Second-degree murder

Second-degree murder is the second most serious homicide offense in Massachusetts. It constitutes the intentional killing of someone without premeditation, or the killing of someone caused by the commission or attempted commission of a felony that is not punishable by life. It is punished by life-with-parole after 15 to 25 years.

Penalties

Offense	Mandatory sentencing
Misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide	30 days to 2+1⁄2 years in jail
Involuntary manslaughter	10 months to 1+1⁄3 years in prison
Involuntary manslaughter due to recklessness	10 months to 20 years in prison
Voluntary manslaughter	3 to 20 years in prison
Felony motor vehicle homicide	2+1⁄2 to 15 years in prison
Second-degree murder	Life-with-parole after 15 to 25 years
First-degree murder	For adults: Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole For juveniles: Life-with-parole

References

^ "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
^ "M.G.L., Part IV, Title I, Chpt. 265, Sec. 1: Murder defined". Massachusetts General Laws. General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved September 23, 2017.

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[1] "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.

[2] "M.G.L., Part IV, Title I, Chpt. 265, Sec. 1: Murder defined". Massachusetts General Laws. General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved September 23, 2017.

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