Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the development of the common law of homicide and the historical distinction between murder and manslaughter.
     
  2. Describe the actus reus of homicide.
     
  3. Know the elements of first-degree premeditated murder.
     
  4. Understand the characteristics of capital and aggravated first-degree murder.
     
  5. Know the difference between first- and second- degree murder.
     
  6. List the elements of depraved heart murder.
     
  7. State the law of felony murder and compare and contrast the agency theory of felony murder with the proximate cause theory of criminal responsibility for felony murder.
     
  8. State the elements of voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
     
  9. Explain misdemeanor manslaughter.
     
  10. Know the differing views on when life begins for purposes of homicide and the legal tests for determining death.