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LYING IN WAIT

TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.

Lying in ambush; lying hid or concealed for the purpose of making a sudden and unexpected attack upon a person when he shall arrive at the scene. In some jurisdictions, where there are several degrees of murder, lying in wait is made evidence of that deliberation and premeditated intent which is necessary to characterize murder in the first degree. This term is not synonymous with “concealed.” If a person conceals himself for the purpose of shooting another unawares, he is lying in wait; but a person may, while concealed, shoot another without committing the crime of murder. People v. Miles. 55 CaL 207.

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