What defines murder under Georgia law?

Under Georgia law, murder is specifically defined as the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. This means that the perpetrator intentionally and willfully engages in conduct that results in the death of another person, demonstrating a clear intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm. The element of malice is crucial, as it indicates a person's depraved mind or disregard for human life.

Other definitions mentioned in the options do not meet the criteria for murder. For instance, unlawful killings that occur accidentally are typically classified as manslaughter or other less severe charges, as they lack the necessary intent or malice. Similarly, a killing that occurs during a legal act does not inherently qualify as murder; rather, such actions could be justified or excusable under specific circumstances. Finally, killing in self-defense may be legally justifiable and is not considered murder, as the law permits individuals to protect themselves from imminent harm. Therefore, the defining factor of murder under Georgia law is the presence of malice in the act of killing another human being.