Mississippi § 97-3-21 - Homicide; penalty for first- or second-degree murder or capital murder.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-3-21 — Homicide; penalty for first- or second-degree murder or capital murder., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 97-3-21. Homicide; penalty for first- or second-degree murder or capital murder.
Every person who shall be convicted of first-degree murder shall be sentenced by the court to imprisonment for life in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Every person who shall be convicted of second-degree murder shall be imprisoned for life in the custody of the Department of Corrections if the punishment is so fixed by the jury in its verdict after a separate sentencing proceeding. If the jury fails to agree on fixing the penalty at imprisonment for life, the court shall fix the penalty at not less than twenty (20) nor more than forty (40) years in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Every person who shall be convicted of capital murder shall be sentenced (a) to death; (b) to imprisonment for life in the State Penitentiary without parole; or (c) to imprisonment for life in the State Penitentiary with eligibility for parole as provided in Section 47-7-3(1) (f).
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 97-3-21
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-3-21 cover?
Section 97-3-21 ("Homicide; penalty for first- or second-degree murder or capital murder.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. 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 Mississippi § 97-3-21?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 97-3-21" (Mississippi). 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 Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 97-3-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi 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 Mississippi.