Dresser, pp. 284-314: Unintentional Killings: Unlawful Conduct

 

1.        The Felony-Murder Rule

a.      The Doctrine in its Unlimited Form

 

Case: People v. Stamp

 

Case: People v. Fuller

 

b.     The Policy Debate

c.     Limitations on the Rule

i.          Overview

ii.        The “Inherently Dangerous Felony” Limitation

 

Case: People v. Burroughs

 

iii.      The “Independent Felony” (or Merger) Limitation

 

Case: People v. Smith

 

iv.      Killings “in the Perpetration” or “in Furtherance” of a Felony

 

Back to Casebook Notes