Under the Criminal Justice Act 1990, which of the following is classified as murder?

The classification of murder under the Criminal Justice Act 1990 specifically addresses the severity of offences committed against certain individuals, particularly those who serve in positions of authority, such as on-duty guards or prison officers. The statute emphasizes the heightened seriousness of crimes committed against law enforcement personnel, reflecting a societal commitment to protect those who uphold the rule of law.

Murdering an on-duty guard or prison officer constitutes a particularly egregious offense due to the inherent nature of the victim's role in maintaining public safety and order. This not only underscores the legal system's denunciation of violence against individuals in these roles but also serves as a deterrent against such actions.

In contrast, while the murder of a private citizen, a foreign head of state for personal gain, or a foreign national outside the State can also be serious crimes, they do not carry the same specific legislative emphasis as the murder of law enforcement officials under this particular act. Therefore, the focus on the vulnerability of officers and the importance of their function in society underpins why this choice is categorized emphatically as murder under the Criminal Justice Act 1990.