What is defined as expressed malice?

Expressed malice is defined as the deliberate intention to unlawfully take a life, which involves a clear and conscious decision to commit an act that results in the death of another person. This concept plays a significant role in legal definitions of murder, as it requires proof that the individual acted with the specific intent to kill, rather than through negligence or accident. In cases where expressed malice is established, it is often classified as first-degree murder, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the act.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of expressed malice; for instance, the intention to cause harm without reason can imply various levels of intent but does not necessarily indicate a specific aim to take a life. Similarly, a spontaneous act of aggression suggests an impulsive response rather than a premeditated intent, while a state of emotional distress reflects a psychological condition rather than a defined intent to commit harm.