murder

Unlawful killing of one person by another. In the USA, first-degree murder requires proof of premeditation; second-degree murder falls between first-degree murder and manslaughter.

If the killer can show provocation by the victim (action or words that would make a reasonable person lose self-control) or diminished responsibility (an abnormal state of mind caused by illness, injury, or mental subnormality), the charge may be reduced to a less serious one. See also assassination.

The US murder rate was at its lowest level for more than 30 years when in the first six months of 1999 it fell by 13% from the same period in 1998 to six reported killings for every 100,000 people.