Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
* Unlawful: The killing must be without legal justification or excuse, such as self-defense or war.
* Killing: This means causing the death of another person.
* Another human being: It must be a living person, not an animal or a fetus.
* Malice aforethought: This is the intent to kill, meaning the perpetrator acted with premeditation and deliberation.
Types of Malice Aforethought:
* Express malice: This is the intentional and deliberate killing of another person.
* Implied malice: This occurs when a killing is done with reckless disregard for human life, even if the intent to kill was not present.
Note: The specific legal definition of murder can vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, some jurisdictions may distinguish between different degrees of murder based on the severity of the crime.