Which is an example of specific intent in second-degree murder?

The correct answer illustrates the concept of specific intent in the context of second-degree murder, which requires that the perpetrator has a particular purpose or objective when committing the act of killing. In the case of killing with premeditated planning, the individual deliberately and intentionally decides to take another person's life, demonstrating the clear mindset required for specific intent.

When someone engages in premeditated planning, they do not simply act on impulse; rather, they consider and plan the act of killing beforehand. This level of intentional behavior aligns perfectly with the specifics of second-degree murder, as it shows that the individual had the aim and desire to cause the death of another person, even if the planning was not extensive.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not meet the criteria for specific intent. For example, killing during a robbery may involve the intention to commit theft, but the primary purpose is not necessarily to kill, which could lead to charges of a different degree of murder depending on the circumstances. Killing due to reckless driving suggests an act that is negligent rather than intentional, as it lacks the deliberation associated with specific intent. Lastly, killing in self-defense implies a reaction to an immediate threat rather than a planned intention to kill, reinforcing that a specific intent to kill was