Learn about your state's laws by using the links below.
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 29, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
State laws often separate the crime murder into degrees of severity, with first degree murder or capital murder being the most serious crimes of homicide. However, there are many key differences among the states in their murder laws, as well as in the penalties that may be imposed. Please choose a state from the map or the list below for state-specific definitions and statutes for, including in depth overviews of select states' offenses, penalties, and more.