The Felony Murder Rule Explained in 3 minutes

Class Discussion board explanation of the intent behind California's original Felony Murder Rule.

Summary:

• 🔍 Original intent: The felony murder rule was created to hold all participants accountable in dangerous crimes if someone is killed, regardless of their direct involvement.
• ⚖️ Deterrence goal: It aims to deter people from committing crimes where violence is likely, with all participants charged with first-degree murder if a death occurs.
• 🏛️ Court precedents: Cases like People vs. Gutierrez and People vs. Burton established that intent to commit the underlying felony suffices for first-degree murder charges.
• 💡 Judicial application: Proper application by district attorneys is crucial to avoid unjust outcomes and preserve the rule’s purpose.
• 🛑 Abolition in other states: Some states have abolished the rule due to concerns about fairness and complexity.

Insights Based on Numbers:

• The rule has been in place for over 100 years, reflecting its long-standing role in the justice system.
• In People vs. Burton (1971), the court emphasized that any death resulting from felony activities leads to first-degree murder charges.