Murder in Alabama law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Alabama.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, Alabama had the third-highest rate of homicides in the country.
Felony murder rule
In Alabama, the common law felony murder rule has been codified in Alabama Code § 13A-6-2(a)(3). It provides that when a person commits various crimes and "in the course of and in furtherance of the crime" another is killed, then the perpetrator is guilty of murder, a "Class A Felony", the punishment of which is not less than 10 years nor more than 99 years in prison, or life in prison. If any aggravating circumstances were present, the penalty is death or life imprisonment.
Penalties
Main article: Capital punishment in AlabamaSource:
| Offense | Mandatory sentencing |
|---|---|
| Manslaughter | 2–20 years in prison |
| Murder | 10–99 years in prison (20–99 years if a deadly weapon is used) or life-with-parole |
| Capital murder | Death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole |
References
- "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
- "Alabama Code Sec. 13A-6-2". Alabama Legislature. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- Alabama's Criminal Laws — Murder, Manslaughter, & Criminally Negligent Homicide.
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