This is precisely why we have different degrees of murder in the law. Coming home and finding your spouse cheating on you is the textbook example of “hot blood”, meaning that your responsibility for your actions is diminished (not eliminated entirely), and so you’d only be charged with second-degree murder. If, however, you calm down and think it through, and come to a clear decision to kill, that’s cold-blooded murder, and is punished as first-degree murder.
That’s why you’ll hear sometimes that the defendant reloaded, and what a big deal that was - not a crime of passion when you stop to slot another magazine in. Especially not if you, say, had to go get more bullets from somewhere else.
need answer fast!!
What are the limits for “hot blood?” In some places, seeing your 15 year daughter holding hands with her boyfriend would be considered enough to justify killing her. If you shoot her because you are so overwhelmed with the shame she has brought upon the family, will you get a lesser charge?