The Legal Consequences of Felony Murder in Robberies

In criminal law, the concept of felony murder is a significant area of legal doctrine. This article explores the implications of felony murder in the context of robbery, specifically when one accomplice kills another individual.

The Felony Murder Rule

The felony murder rule is a legal doctrine in some common law jurisdictions that broadens the definition of murder. It stipulates that when an offender kills in the commission of a dangerous or specified crime (such as robbery), the offender and their accomplices or co-conspirators can be found guilty of murder. This rule is operational under certain circumstances to ensure that individuals who facilitate or participate in dangerous crimes are held responsible for any unintentional deaths that occur during the commission of the crime.

Criminal Liability in Action

Consider a scenario where two individuals rob a shop, and in the process, a bystander attempts to intervene. Suppose one of the robbers kills the bystander. In many jurisdictions, both individuals can be charged with murder, regardless of who actually pulled the trigger. However, the practical legal consequences can vary.

Let's examine a similar real-life case. In one instance, three burglars entered a home and one of them shot and killed another burglar. The surviving thief emerged to turn himself in the next morning. The legal system charged both surviving burglars with murder for the death, likely under the felony murder rule. They negotiated plea bargains and admitted guilt to avoid more severe sentences.

Prosecution and Plea Bargains

Legal authorities, such as District Attorneys (DA) and prosecutors, have discretion in charging decisions. Typically, the individual who committed the homicide is charged with first-degree murder, while their co-conspirator may face charges as an accessory to murder. This classification impacts the potential sentences they could receive, often carrying penalties similar to those of a direct murderer.

My understanding of US law is limited to what I have read or heard, as I am not a legal expert. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that the decision to charge one individual with first-degree murder and the other with accessory to murder is often influenced by plea bargaining and the need for witness testimony.

Cases of Accomplice Liability

In a case where one individual kills during the robbery, the accomplice who aided in the crime can still be charged with murder. This is known as accomplice liability, whereby an accomplice can be held responsible for the actions of their co-conspirator if they were present and aiding in the felony.

Another situation involves an armed robbery where one accomplice ends up dead in a shootout. If the surviving accomplice was in the company of the deceased at the time of the incident, they could be charged with murder. This is due to the nature of aiding and abetting in a dangerous crime, even if they did not directly commit the act.

Conclusion

In essence, both individuals involved in the robbery can face serious legal consequences, potentially including charges of murder. The exact charges and sentences are subject to legal discretion, primary influenced by the actions and roles each participant played. Robbery is a high-risk criminal activity, and those who engage in it must be aware of the significant legal implications that can arise, especially when loss of life is involved.

Understanding the felony murder rule and accomplice liability is critical for anyone involved in criminal activities. It is always advisable to seek professional legal advice to navigate the complex nature of such laws.