What does "premeditated murder" refer to according to Missouri law?

Premeditated murder in Missouri law refers to an intentional killing that was planned beforehand. This means that the person who committed the murder had the opportunity to think about their actions and made a conscious decision to end another person's life. The key element of premeditation is that it involves a deliberative process; the killer did not act spontaneously or impulsively, but instead engaged in a calculated action to carry out the murder. This distinction is crucial in the legal system, as it affects the severity of charges and potential penalties the individual may face.

In contrast, other options like accidental killing, unplanned crimes of passion, or killings provoked by a victim, do not involve the necessary element of premeditation, which is indicative of a more intentional and malice-driven act. These situations may fall under different classifications of homicide, like manslaughter or second-degree murder, which carry different legal implications.