What constitutes Second Degree Murder in Missouri?

Second Degree Murder in Missouri is defined as the act of knowingly causing the death of another person. This implies that the individual acted with the awareness that their actions were likely to result in death or serious injury, showing a disregard for human life. The key aspect here is the "knowingly" component, which indicates that the perpetrator had intention or awareness regarding the potential for their actions to lead to a fatal outcome.

In contrast, the other options reflect circumstances that do not align with the definition of Second Degree Murder. Killing in self-defense, for example, is typically classified as justifiable and would not constitute murder if the act meets the legal criteria for self-defense. Unintentional death resulting from negligence could fall under different charges, such as involuntary manslaughter, rather than Second Degree Murder. Similarly, a death occurring during a civil dispute does not automatically equate to murder unless the conditions of intent and knowledge are met. Thus, the focus on knowable intent in the correct answer is crucial for understanding the legal classification of Second Degree Murder in Missouri.