First-Degree Murder In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In most states, first-degree murder is defined as an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated, meaning that it was committed after planning or "lying in wait" for the victim. In addition, most states also adhere to a legal concept known as the "felony murder rule," under which a person commits first-degree murder if any death (even an accidental one) results from the commission of certain violent felonies. State laws categorizing murders into first, second and possibly third degrees generally require that the first-degree murders include three basic elements, such as: willfulness; deliberation; and premeditation. As to Mr. George Milton, in terms of willfulness, he had a specific intent to end a human life. Yet, whether he acted

Milton killed Mr. Small on purpose, consciously and intentionally. As mentioned in the book, Of Mice and Men, it states, “George looked down at the gun.” Meaning he was aware of what he was doing, second guessing his action. Yet, he pulled the trigger as mentioned in the book, “George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie’s head. The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger… Lennie jarred, and then settled slowly forward to the sand, and he lay without quivering.” Furthermore, George said woodenly, "If I was alone I could live so easy." His voice was monotonous, had no emphasis. "I could get a job an ' not have no mess." He stopped. As proved, Mr. Milton had the intent, the determination, to shoot Mr. Small before either the authorities or the ranch men

In conclusion, Mr. George Milton is clearly guilty of first degree murder of Mr. Lennie Small over killing him consciously, planning his death, and the method/timing of the execution. For example, he second guessed his action when he was at the brush. Had the chance to do right from wrong. Yet, he still carried out his plan. A little before the execution, he stole a ranch man’s gun and knew exactly where to shoot Lennie for not even a single cry of hell can burst out of him. In a hope to wipe him out with a dead silence. Once at the brush, he told Lennie to picture the “Dream” being right where he was looking. Without a sigh, Lennie fell straight forward, and the sound of thunder rolled through the hills. Overall, though Mr. George Milton killed with an act of mercy, he acquired the three elements needed for first degree