How is murder defined in criminal law?

Murder is specifically defined in criminal law as the intentional act of causing the death of another person without justification. This definition underscores the element of intent, which differentiates murder from other forms of homicide. The key component here is that the act is deliberate, indicating that the perpetrator intended to kill or cause serious harm that resulted in death. The absence of justification means that the act is considered unlawful and not excused by circumstances such as self-defense or a similar legal rationale.

The other choices do not encompass the full legal definition of murder. For instance, intentionally causing harm does not necessarily result in death, which is a requirement for murder. Causing death while committing another crime generally refers to felony murder, which is a specific subset of murder laws. Lastly, causing death through negligence refers to manslaughter or involuntary homicide rather than murder, as it lacks the intentional element required for a murder charge. Therefore, the definition provided aligns with the established legal standards regarding murder.