What is a key characteristic of murder compared to other types of homicide?

A key characteristic of murder, distinguishing it from other types of homicide, is that it involves intentional and unlawful killing. This means that for an act to be classified as murder, there must be a specific intent to kill or cause serious harm, coupled with the unlawful nature of the act.

Unlike other forms of homicide, such as manslaughter, which may occur without intent or arise in circumstances that diminish culpability (like provocation), murder requires a deliberation and a wrongful intent. This element of intention is what elevates the crime to murder, making it a more severe offense and usually subject to harsher penalties.

While some might consider that a weapon is often involved in homicides, it is not a requirement for murder, nor does it characterize it uniquely. Similarly, acts committed in self-defense require an assessment of intention and legality, affecting their classification outside of murder. Lastly, the victim's status does not necessarily determine the classification of murder, as murder can occur regardless of who the victim is, though certain victim statuses may influence sentencing severity. Thus, the hallmark of murder remains its intentional and unlawful nature.