A murder becomes an assassination when it is the deliberate killing of an important or prominent person, usually carried out with political, ideological, religious, or military motives. Assassination is a specific type of murder that involves premeditation and targets individuals in positions of power or influence, often through a sudden or secret attack. In contrast, murder more generally refers to the unlawful and intentional killing of another person without the specific context of targeting a notable figure or political motive.
Key Differences Between Murder and Assassination
- Murder : The unlawful, intentional killing of another person; can range from personal motives like revenge or jealousy.
- Assassination : A preplanned killing specifically targeting a prominent person, often for political or ideological reasons.
- Assassination often involves secrecy or a sudden attack and is linked to broader motives beyond personal disputes.
Thus, what makes a murder an assassination primarily involves:
- The importance or prominence of the victim (e.g., political leaders, influential figures).
- The motivation behind the killing , which tends to be political, ideological, or religious.
- The method and context , often involving secrecy or public impact.
