Define: Felony Murder Rule

The felony murder rule is a legal doctrine that holds a person responsible for any deaths that occur during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if they did not directly cause the death.

Common crimes that fall under the felony murder rule include robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping, and certain drug offenses.

No, intent to kill is not required for a conviction under the felony murder rule. The focus is on the underlying dangerous felony and the resulting death.

Yes, under the felony murder rule, anyone who participates in the dangerous felony can be held responsible for any deaths that occur, regardless of their level of involvement.

Yes, there are several defences that can be raised in felony murder cases, such as lack of intent, lack of participation in the felony, or the death being caused by someone else’s actions unrelated to the felony.

Yes, a person can be charged with both murder and the underlying felony. However, they cannot be convicted of both offenses as it would constitute double jeopardy.

Some jurisdictions have limited the application of the felony murder rule by imposing certain exceptions, such as if the death was caused by a co-felon or if the death occurred after the felony was completed.

Yes, the felony murder rule can apply to accidental deaths that occur during the commission of a dangerous felony. The focus is on the underlying felony, not the intent or foreseeability of the death.

The penalties for felony murder vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, it can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

No, the felony murder rule is not universally accepted. Some jurisdictions have abolished or modified it, considering it to be overly harsh and unfair. However, it is still widely applied in many jurisdictions.