What distinguishes murder from voluntary manslaughter in criminal law, focusing on mental state and provocation?

• A. Murder involves malice aforethought; voluntary manslaughter arises from adequate provocation or heat of passion reducing explicit malice.
• B. Murder requires intent to cause harm; voluntary manslaughter requires intent to harm but not to kill.
• C. Murder is punished more leniently than voluntary manslaughter.
• D. There is no difference between murder and voluntary manslaughter.

Answer: (A)