Second-degree murder is typically defined as an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned in advance. It can also involve a death that results from a dangerous act done with a disregard for human life.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a situation where two individuals are in a heated argument at a bar. During the argument, one person, in a moment of anger, pushes the other person, who falls and hits their head on a table, resulting in a fatal injury. The person who pushed may not have intended to kill the other, but acted with a reckless disregard for their safety. This could be classified as second-degree murder because there was an intention to cause harm, but no premeditation to actually kill.
This example illustrates how second-degree murder can arise from impulsive actions that lead to unintended fatal outcomes, emphasizing the element of recklessness in the act.