Which statement about an overt act in conspiracy is true?

Which statement about an overt act in conspiracy is true?

• A. The overt act must occur before the agreement.
• B. The overt act itself must be illegal.
• C. The overt act must be in furtherance of the agreement.
• D. An overt act is optional.

Answer: (C)

An overt act in conspiracy serves as proof that the conspirators have moved from merely planning to taking steps toward carrying out the plan. The essential point is that the act must be in furtherance of the agreement—that is, it must advance, promote, or implement what the conspirators have agreed to do. It doesn’t have to be illegal in itself; a lawful action that helps execute the plan still satisfies the requirement. Also, the act typically occurs after the agreement is formed, not before. Because of that, an overt act that isn’t tied to progressing the plan wouldn’t count, and the notion that an overt act is optional isn’t correct in this context.

An overt act in conspiracy serves as proof that the conspirators have moved from merely planning to taking steps toward carrying out the plan. The essential point is that the act must be in furtherance of the agreement—that is, it must advance, promote, or implement what the conspirators have agreed to do. It doesn’t have to be illegal in itself; a lawful action that helps execute the plan still satisfies the requirement. Also, the act typically occurs after the agreement is formed, not before. Because of that, an overt act that isn’t tied to progressing the plan wouldn’t count, and the notion that an overt act is optional isn’t correct in this context.