préméditation

Préméditation refers to the process by which an individual forms a plan to commit a crime before carrying it out. It denotes deliberate, forward-looking thinking and concrete preparation, and is most commonly discussed in homicide cases, where it serves as an element that can aggravate culpability. The term is used in French law and in other legal and philosophical contexts, and derives from pré- "before" and méditation "contemplation", from Latin prae- meditari.

In criminal law, préméditation is typically an aggravating factor that distinguishes a planned crime from one committed impulsively. Its presence does not always require long periods of time; even a brief interval of reflection paired with steps toward execution can suffice, depending on the jurisdiction. Premeditation is usually established by circumstantial evidence—prior planning, choice of a victim, preparation of weapons, surveillance, or concealment efforts. Some legal systems treat it as elevating a homicide to the highest degree of severity.

In French law, préméditation is closely associated with assassinat, a form of homicide carried out after deliberate planning, whereas meurtre refers to murder without such planning.

In other jurisdictions, particularly common-law systems, premeditation is a criterion for first-degree or capital murder, distinguishing it from crimes committed without prior deliberation. The concept is frequently discussed alongside intent and deliberation in debates about culpability and the psychology of planning.

See also: deliberate, mens rea, intent, premeditated murder.