A twofold specific intent is required for conviction of conspiracy…
Intent to combine with others.
Intent to accomplish the illegal objective.
Reasoning:
This case is included only to describe the general principles of the crime of conspiracy.
Criminal conspiracy is defined as a partnership in criminal purposes, a mutual agreement or understanding, express or implied, between two or more persons, to commit a criminal act or to accomplish a legal act by unlawful means.
The gist of the offense of conspiracy lies in the unlawful agreement. It is not always necessary to prove an overt act. However, when one must be shown, it is exceedingly easy to do so. Any overt act will suffice, no matter how small.
Conviction of conspiracy does not merge with conviction of the completed offense.
Dissent:
None.
Notes:
Conspiracy has been employed to fill the gap created by a law of attempt too narrowly conceived. Conspiracy allows for earlier intervention.
This is due in part to the fact that collective action toward an antisocial end involves a greater risk to society than individual action toward the same end.
