Which of the following best describes the felony-murder rule?

The felony-murder rule is a legal doctrine that holds individuals liable for murder if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if they did not intend to kill or were not directly responsible for the death. This rule is based on the principle that those who participate in a felony should be held accountable for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, which can include the unintended deaths of others, including co-felons or bystanders.

The correct answer reflects this concept accurately, indicating that the prosecution can charge all participants in a felony for any resulting death, regardless of their intent. This rule seeks to deter individuals from engaging in dangerous felonies by making them accountable for any fatal outcomes, thereby promoting public safety.

Each of the other options misrepresents aspects of the felony-murder rule or its applications. For instance, the idea that it only applies to murder committed in self-defense or limits murder charges to premeditated intent does not align with its essential premise. Furthermore, suggesting that it exempts group crimes from murder charges contradicts the very nature of the rule, which seeks to ensure accountability among all participants in a felony regardless of their individual roles in the act that led to the death.