MLchartDataset catalogue

Overt act

Term · Law · MLC-T-LAW-003594

An outward act, as distinct from a mere thought or intention, done in furtherance of a criminal plan. Many conspiracy statutes, including the federal general conspiracy statute, and the constitutional definition of treason require one, and the act need not be unlawful in itself, since even an innocent step such as buying supplies can qualify. In attempt law, a comparable requirement demands a substantial step beyond mere preparation.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-LAW-003594
FieldLaw
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-003594",
  "term": "Overt act",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "An outward act, as distinct from a mere thought or intention, done in furtherance of a criminal plan. Many conspiracy statutes, including the federal general conspiracy statute, and the constitutional definition of treason require one, and the act need not be unlawful in itself, since even an innocent step such as buying supplies can qualify. In attempt law, a comparable requirement demands a substantial step beyond mere preparation.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/overt-act/"
}

Record 3,593 of 5,441 in Law terminology (MLC-0107). Request the full dataset.