Which statement is a basis for First Degree Murder?

Which statement is a basis for First Degree Murder?

• A. Specific intent to kill or cause great bodily harm
• B. Negligence
• C. Injury by criminal negligence
• D. Resisting lawful arrest

Answer: (A)

In Louisiana, First Degree Murder rests on the defendant’s mental state. The statute requires specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm. That means the person acted with the purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause death or serious injury. This level of intent distinguishes first-degree murder from crimes driven by recklessness or negligence, so other choices like negligence, criminal negligence causing injury, or an offense like resisting lawful arrest don’t meet the required mental state. (There is also a felony-murder theory in which death occurring during certain dangerous felonies can qualify as first-degree murder, but the core basis described here is the specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm.)

In Louisiana, First Degree Murder rests on the defendant’s mental state. The statute requires specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm. That means the person acted with the purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause death or serious injury. This level of intent distinguishes first-degree murder from crimes driven by recklessness or negligence, so other choices like negligence, criminal negligence causing injury, or an offense like resisting lawful arrest don’t meet the required mental state. (There is also a felony-murder theory in which death occurring during certain dangerous felonies can qualify as first-degree murder, but the core basis described here is the specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm.)