Homonym: First-Degree (Murder)
First-degree refers to the most serious level of a crime, typically involving intentional actions that result in severe harm or death. In legal terms, it often applies to offenses like first-degree murder, where the perpetrator planned the act beforehand, demonstrating premeditation and intent to kill.
In addition to murder, first-degree can also describe other serious crimes, such as first-degree burglary, which involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime while armed or causing harm. These offenses carry the harshest penalties, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions.