How is the term 'murder' defined in law?

The definition of murder in law is specifically aligned with the act of knowingly or intentionally killing another human being. This encompasses the mental state of the individual committing the act, which is a crucial factor in distinguishing murder from other forms of unlawful killings. The intent behind the act indicates a premeditated decision to take a life, which elevates the crime to murder.

This definition excludes accidental killings, which are not considered murder due to the lack of intent. Self-defense is also not classified as murder, as it involves the justified use of force to protect oneself from imminent harm. Furthermore, while all murders fall under the broader category of homicide, not all homicides qualify as murder, particularly those that do not involve intent or are committed under circumstances like emotional disturbance or legal justifications. Thus, option B accurately captures the legal essence of murder based on the intent behind the act.