Eli5: What do the degrees assigned to crimes, e.g. first degree murder, indicate?
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A degree of crime is a way to classify how guilty you are of a certain crime. The definitions (including that of degrees of murder) vary state by state in the us. But they can have big implications for how long you’re sentenced. For example, in California, 2nd degree murder has a possible sentence of 15 to life, while first degree is 25 to life.
Typically, a higher degree means more harm is done to the victim, or premeditation.
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