Premeditated murder is a type of homicide where the perpetrator plans the killing in advance. This means that the individual has thought about and decided to take someone's life before actually committing the act. The planning can vary in detail, but the key element is that the murder was not impulsive or spontaneous. In many legal systems, premeditated murder is considered a more serious crime than other forms of homicide, such as manslaughter. This is because the intent and planning involved demonstrate a higher level of culpability. As a result, those convicted of premeditated murder often face harsher penalties, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions.