second-degree murder
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of second-degree murder
An Americanism dating back to 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While prosecutors don’t need a Watson advisement to prove second-degree murder it “is a very powerful piece of evidence if they have it,” said defense attorney, Glen Jonas.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
Jurors can also find Clancy guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, or not guilty by lack of criminal responsibility -- a verdict that would see Clancy sent to a psychiatric facility.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
Extreme emotional disturbance would allow the jury to consider the less severe charge of manslaughter, rather than second-degree murder.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
The officer involved was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to seven years in prison.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2026
Another Louisiana man, Johnny Lee Ball, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after meeting with a public defender for just eleven minutes before trial.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
