Legal Definitions - third-degree murder

Third-degree murder is a type of murder that is not recognized in common law, but some states have added it to their murder statutes. It is a less severe form of murder compared to first and second-degree murder.

For example, in Minnesota, third-degree murder is defined as causing someone's death without intending to do so, but with a reckless disregard for human life. This can include situations where someone engages in dangerous behavior that results in someone's death, such as firing a gun into a crowd.

Another example is the case of George Floyd, where former police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder for kneeling on Floyd's neck for over eight minutes, causing his death. The prosecution argued that Chauvin acted with a reckless disregard for Floyd's life, even if he did not intend to kill him.

Overall, third-degree murder is a less severe form of murder that involves reckless behavior resulting in someone's death, rather than intentional killing or killing during the commission of a dangerous felony.