second-degree murder

[sek-uhnd-di-gree mur-der]

noun

Law.

1. murder1

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-degree murder¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

Berrios was charged with three felony counts but pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying at the trial, the district attorney’s office said.

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Jake Haro pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his 7-month-old son, Emmanuel, several weeks after the boy’s parents falsely reported him missing in Riverside County.

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Bradford was sentenced Aug. 5 for second-degree murder.

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On Thursday, a Los Angeles jury convicted Adame of second-degree murder and of practicing medicine without a certification, according to court records.

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In California, second-degree murder has a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while practicing medicine without a certification is punishable by up to three years.

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