Which of these charges involves taking someone's life unlawfully?

The charge that involves taking someone's life unlawfully is murder. This legal term refers to the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. Murder is characterized by malice aforethought, which means that the person acted with intent to kill or cause serious harm. It is considered one of the most serious offenses within the criminal law system due to its fatal consequences and moral implications.

In contrast, the other charges listed do not directly involve the act of taking a life. Attempt kidnapping entails the intention to abduct someone but does not result in death. Kidnapping refers to the unlawful taking or confinement of a person against their will but again does not necessarily result in death. Robbery involves taking someone's property through force or intimidation but does not inherently involve a loss of life. Thus, murder is distinctly different as it specifically addresses the unlawful taking of life.