Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona lawmakers are considering bills that would eliminate the state’s felony murder law, which has been criticized for its role in charging bystanders for shootings by police. The proposed legislation comes amid growing scrutiny of the felony murder statute, which allows individuals who were not directly involved in a crime to be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of a felony.
Under the current law, individuals can face murder charges even if they did not participate in or intend for a killing to occur. Critics argue that this broad application of the felony murder rule has led to unjust outcomes, particularly in cases where bystanders are charged for deaths caused by law enforcement officers.
The proposed bills seek to reform this aspect of Arizona’s criminal justice system by abolishing the felony murder statute altogether. Supporters of the legislation contend that it is necessary to prevent the unjust prosecution of individuals who are not responsible for violent acts.