Felony Murder Rule Overview

The felony murder rule allows prosecutors to charge individuals with murder if a death occurs during the commission of a felony, regardless of their intent or involvement in the actual killing. This controversial legal principle leads to severe penalties, including the death penalty, for defendants who may not have played an active role in the crime. For instance, the Tyson brothers were sentenced to death despite not directly participating in the murders committed by their father and his cellmate during a robbery gone wrong. Critics argue that this rule inverts fundamental aspects of criminal law, focusing on the act rather than the intent, leading to unjust outcomes and light punishment for serious crimes.