What is the definition of murder?

The definition of murder encompasses the unlawful killing of a human being that is executed with malice aforethought. This means that the individual intended to cause death or serious harm, or acted with a reckless disregard for human life. The presence of malice aforethought is what distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful killing.

In contrast, other options do not align with this definition. For instance, unlawful theft of a vehicle pertains to property crime rather than a crime involving life. Accidental death refers to fatalities that occur without intention to kill, which does not meet the criteria for murder. Justifiable homicide involves circumstances where the killing is deemed legally permissible, such as self-defense, thus also excluding it from the definition of murder. This clear distinction is crucial in understanding the legal definitions surrounding homicide and why an act qualifies as murder specifically.