A modern formulation of these somewhat archaic elements is found in what's called the Model Penal Code. Specific crimes also have specific elements. These elements can be found in the statutory definition of each crime. For example, a murder is an intentional killing of a human being. To win a conviction, the prosecutor must prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Murder is a felony under the common law.
Generally, murder carries a term of imprisonment between 10 years and life. Murder may also include causing serious physical injury leading to a death. For example, if a person attacks another person with a chain saw, hoping only to cut off their arm, the person can be prosecuted for murder if the attack results in death. Basically, this means that the person who caused a death was provoked, and provoked to such a degree that the law recognizes the provocation as a mitigating factor. But the level of provocation must be so severe as to overcome the person's reason.