Collin Texas Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder, also known as Collin County Second Degree Murder Jury Instruction, is a legal guideline provided to the jury in a criminal trial regarding the offense of second-degree murder in Collin County, Texas. Second-degree murder is a serious criminal charge, falling between first-degree murder and manslaughter. It typically involves the intentional killing of another person, but without premeditation or a malicious intent to cause death. Instead, it occurs in the "heat of passion" or as a result of an impulsive act. The Collin Texas Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder outlines the specific elements that must be proven in order to find a defendant guilty of second-degree murder in Collin County. These elements may include: 1. Unlawful Killing: The defendant's act caused the death of another person. 2. Intent: The defendant acted intentionally but without premeditation or malice aforethought. There was no pre-planned scheme to kill the victim. 3. Heat of Passion: The defendant acted in the "heat of passion" or under circumstances that would provoke a reasonable person to act similarly. This element indicates that the act was not the result of a cool and deliberate mind. 4. Adequate Provocation: The defendant's actions were triggered by adequate provocation, such as serious threats, actual physical harm, or in some cases, a sudden and unexpected discovery of an intimate partner's betrayal. Collin County may have specific variations or additional considerations within their jury instructions for second-degree murder, which may impact the terminology used or the burden of proof required. Additionally, different cases within Collin County may have unique circumstances or facts that can influence the way the jury instruction is presented. It is important to consult the official Collin County jury instructions for second-degree murder specific to a particular case, as they will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the elements, definitions, and procedures essential in determining guilt or innocence. Overall, the Collin Texas Jury Instruction — Second Degree Murder serves as a crucial tool that guides the jury in understanding the legal framework and requirements when deliberating on a second-degree murder charge in Collin County, Texas.