Homicide is the act of one human killing another.A homicide requires only a volitional act by another person that results in death, and thus a homicide may result from accidental, reckless, or negligent acts even if there is no intent to cause harm. Homicides can be divided into many overlapping legal categories,including
murder,
manslaughter,
justifiable homicide,
killing in war (either following the laws of war or as a war crime),
euthanasia,
and capital punishment,
depending on the circumstances of the death.common law larceny.
PUNISHMENTS
The person may face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
A person convicted of first-degree murder will face a sentence of 25 years-to-life in prison, and thus must serve at least 25 years before being eligible for parole.
If the murder was committed because of the victim's race, religion, or gender, the convicted will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
A person convicted of second-degree murder in California will face a sentence of 15 years-to-life in prison, and thus must serve at least 15 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Punishments are increased if the murder victim was a peace officer, or was killed during a drive-by shooting.
If a gun was used during the murder, the punishment will include an additional 10, 20, or 25 years to life prison sentence. Those convicted will also receive a strike on their criminal record, and fines of up to $10,000. They will also have to pay restitution to victims, and will no longer be allowed to own a gun.