Arkansas § 5-10-102 - Murder in the first degree.

Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-10-102 — Murder in the first degree., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-10-102. Murder in the first degree.

A person commits murder in the first degree if: Acting alone or with one (1) or more other persons: The person commits or attempts to commit a felony; and In the course of and in the furtherance of the felony or in immediate flight from the felony, the person or an accomplice causes the death of any person under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; With a purpose of causing the death of another person, the person causes the death of another person; or The person knowingly causes the death of a person fourteen (14) years of age or younger at the time the murder was committed. It is an affirmative defense to any prosecution under subdivision (a)(1) of this section for an offense in which the defendant was not the only participant that the defendant: Did not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, command, induce, procure, counsel, or aid the homicidal act's commission; Was not armed with a deadly weapon; Reasonably believed that no other participant was armed with a deadly weapon; and Reasonably believed that no other participant intended to engage in conduct that could result in death or serious physical injury. Murder in the first degree is a Class Y felony. Unless the application of § 16-93-621 results in a person's being eligible for parole at an earlier date, if a person was younger than eighteen (18) years of age at the time he or she committed murder in the first degree and is sentenced to life imprisonment, the person is eligible for parole after serving a minimum of twenty-five (25) years' imprisonment.

Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-10-102

What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-10-102 cover?

Section 5-10-102 ("Murder in the first degree.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arkansas § 5-10-102?

A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-10-102" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arkansas law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.

How does Arkansas § 5-10-102 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.