Can anyone specifically explain to me what murder in the second degree is? All I can pinpoint is that it is "residually defined." I was looking at old California exams, and first degree murder is statutory, but then....is second degree murder common law??? Please help.

yes, basically, 2nd=CL murder

any killing with gross gross negligence and indifference to human life and think of 2nd degree murder.

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<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->To qualify for first degree murder, malice aforethought, premeditation & deliberation or

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->the killing must occur in the context of a felony murder [inherently dangerous crimes], involve poison, bomb, torture, or ambush, or be premeditated [30 secs may be enough]

Specific Intent Defenses

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Voluntary intoxication

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§         <!--[endif]-->Any mistake of fact.

SECOND DEGREE MURDER

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->Second degree murder is the intentional killing of another with malice aforethought, but w/o premeditation & deliberation or

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]--> Residual [All homicides in which one of the four types of malice is found and which are not first degree murder are second degree murder.]

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->FMR with other crimes

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->Or depraved heart or wanton conduct ( implied malice aforethought, know risk b/c of past experience with DUIs)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->Ø      <!--[endif]-->NO specific intent defense for 2^nd degree murder UNLESS intent to kill.

At common law there were no degrees of murder. Murder at common law use to be called Capital murder.

I think a better question is what is the gravity of punishment between 1. And 2. I know 1st degree one is eligible for the death penalty.
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Thank you both so much!!! I was hesitant to even ask the question. Thanks.

first degree is express malice or specific intent with premeditation and deliberation, felony murder rule 1, or any of the methods of killings (poison, train wrack, lying and wait, etc). second degree murder is basically anything else that's not first. second degree was common law because back then, there was no such thing as degrees of murders. all of them were capital punishment. hope that helps?