What defines common-law murder?

Common-law murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. This legal concept encompasses two critical elements: the act of killing and the mental state of malice aforethought. Malice aforethought implies a deliberate intention to take a life or conduct that shows a reckless disregard for human life. This distinguishes murder from other forms of homicide, such as manslaughter, which may not involve this level of intent.

The inclusion of malice aforethought as a key component means that the perpetrator must possess the requisite mental state when committing the act, demonstrating a culpable level of intent beyond mere recklessness or negligence. This definition is essential for characterizing the severity and moral culpability associated with murder under common law.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not meet this stringent standard for murder. For instance, killing in self-defense constitutes justifiable homicide and is not considered murder because it arises in response to an immediate threat. Similarly, an accidental killing may fall under negligent homicide or manslaughter, depending on the circumstances, but lacks the necessary intention and malice associated with murder. Therefore, the correct definition of common-law murder is precisely articulated in the correct answer, focusing on the unlawful killing combined with the