# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 1: Murder defined

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S1

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 1
- **Heading:** Murder defined
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part IV / Title I / Chapter 265 / Section 1

## Text

Section 1. Murder committed with deliberately premeditated malice aforethought, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or in the commission or attempted commission of a crime punishable with death or imprisonment for life, is murder in the first degree. Murder which does not appear to be in the first degree is murder in the second degree. Petit treason shall be prosecuted and punished as murder. The degree of murder shall be found by the jury.

Section 1. Murder committed with deliberately premeditated malice aforethought, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or in the commission or attempted commission of a crime punishable with death or imprisonment for life, is murder in the first degree. Murder which does not appear to be in the first degree is murder in the second degree. Petit treason shall be prosecuted and punished as murder. The degree of murder shall be found by the jury.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 1 Murder defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 2 Punishment for murder; parole; executive clemency](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 3 Duel; wound without and death within state; venue](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 4 Accessory in duel](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 5 Duel; conviction or acquittal in foreign state; effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 9 Prize fighting; engaging](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 10 Prize fight; aiding or promoting; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 11 Prize fight; appointment within and fight without state; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 12 Boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting matches or sparring exhibitions; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S12.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13 Manslaughter; punishment; business organization as defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13A Assault or assault and battery; punishment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13B Indecent assault and battery on child under age of 14; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13C Assault and battery to collect loan; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, sec. 13D Assault and battery upon public employees; attempt to disarm police officer; assault and battery upon a police officer; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S13D.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TI_C265_S1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.