Felony murder rule (Arkansas)

In the state of Arkansas, the felony murder rule is defined as a death that is caused "in the course of", "in the furtherance of" or "in the immediate flight" of a felony. These deaths all must exhibit "extreme indifference to the value of human life" to qualify.

Predicate felonies[]

The following crimes when causing death automatically qualify the perpetrator for capital punishment in Arkansas:

Terrorism
Rape
Kidnapping
Vehicular piracy
Robbery or aggravated robbery
Residential or aggravated residential burglary
Commercial burglary
Felonies involving delivery of a controlled substance
Escape of the first degree
Arson

This is found in Arkansas Code, under capital punishment.^[1]

The remaining felonies that result in death of another are classified as first degree murder.^[2] This is known as a "Class Y Felony" which carries a minimum prison term of ten years to a maximum of life.^[3] If the defendant was under 18 at the time of offense, a judge sets out a life sentence and they are eligible for parole after 30 years. For the remaining felonies, juveniles are eligible for parole after 25 years.

External links[]

Arkansas Code - Free Public Access

References[]

^ Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-10-101(a)(1) and (2)
^ Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-10-102(a)(1)
^ Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-4-401(a)(1)

[1] Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-10-101(a)(1) and (2)

[2] Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-10-102(a)(1)

[3] Arkansas Code Ann. Sec. 5-4-401(a)(1)

[1]

[2]

[3]