What is a key element of second-degree murder?

Second-degree murder is defined primarily by the absence of premeditation, distinguishing it from first-degree murder. A key element of second-degree murder is that it involves causing death without justification or lawful excuse. This reflects a level of intent and recklessness that leads to the death of another person, but it does not require the perpetrator to have planned the act in advance.

The focus is on the unlawful nature of the act and the intent behind it, which is typically characterized by malice aforethought, meaning that the act was done with an intentional disregard for human life. This constitutes a significant aspect of second-degree murder, where the emphasis is on the action taken without the lawful justification or excuse that would otherwise defend the act.

In contrast, premeditated actions or having a plan, as mentioned in the other options, pertain more to first-degree murder where intent and planning are critical to the crime's definition. Additionally, the requirement that the involved parties must know each other does not apply broadly to second-degree murder, as this crime can occur between strangers just as easily as it can between acquaintances.