Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What defines a criminal conspiracy?

1. An agreement to commit any crime

2. An agreement formed in secret

3. Coercion by one party

4. An act in furtherance of the agreed crime

The correct answer is: An agreement to commit any crime

A criminal conspiracy is fundamentally characterized by an agreement between two or more parties to commit a criminal act. The essence of a conspiracy lies in the collaborative intent to engage in illegal behavior, which makes the first option the correct choice. Establishing this agreement is crucial, as it sets the stage for individuals to plan and potentially carry out the crime together. While secrecy in the formation of the agreement can be a factor, not all conspiracies necessitate being formed in secret. Coercion by one party may certainly alter the dynamics of the agreement but does not define the conspiracy itself. Similarly, though taking an act in furtherance of the crime is an important aspect of conspiracy law (as it demonstrates the parties' commitment to their plan), it cannot stand alone as a defining feature of a conspiracy. The primary element remains the mutual agreement to commit a crime, which makes the first choice the most comprehensive definition of a criminal conspiracy.