What does felony murder hold an individual liable for?

Felony murder holds an individual liable for a death that occurs during the commission of a felony, regardless of the perpetrator's intent regarding the death itself. This legal doctrine is rooted in the idea that engaging in a dangerous felony inherently poses a significant risk to human life. Therefore, if a death happens as a direct result of that felony—whether intentional or unintentional—the individuals involved in the felony can face murder charges.

This principle underscores the importance of accountability in the criminal justice system, where the law considers the potential consequences of engaging in certain dangerous activities. The focus is on the act of committing a felony, which creates a situation where a death could reasonably occur, thereby linking the perpetrator to the outcome even if they did not intend to kill anyone.

Other choices, while related to criminal law, do not accurately capture the specifics of the felony murder rule. For instance, premeditated murder is a distinct offense that requires intent and planning, whereas felony murder does not. Similarly, not all crimes committed with a weapon lead to felony murder charges, as the felony itself must be one of the qualifying felonies under the law. Lastly, aiding and abetting involves different legal considerations more related to accessory liability rather than the principles of felony murder