conspiracy legal definition

noun

1. An agreement or combination by two or more individuals to commit a crime or to commit a lawful act by unlawful means. Making the agreement is a crime, even if the unlawful act that is planned is never performed, but most states require overt action by one of the conspirators to further the conspiracy before the making of the agreement becomes criminal. A conspiracy to harm someone is also a tort. Also called partnership in crime. See also tortfeasor, concert of action rule, accessory, accomplice, aid and abet, attempt, connivance, conscious parallelism, and solicitation.
2. Two or more individuals acting together to commit a crime or to commit a lawful act by unlawful means even if they are not aware of each otherÂ’s participation or role in the conspiracy. For example, Smith and Jones prepare to commit a crime. Jones enlists AdamÂ’s help. Even though Adams and Smith are unaware of each otherÂ’s participation, there is a conspiracy between the two to commit the crime and they will be held liable for each otherÂ’s actions.

seditious conspiracy