What does the term 'overt act' mean in conspiracy?

• A. A mere thought about committing a crime
• B. An actual step toward committing the crime
• C. A legal defense
• D. A statement of intent

Answer: (B)

When a conspiracy is charged, the law looks for evidence that the participants moved beyond mere planning and actually began to act toward carrying out the crime. That step is called an overt act. An overt act must be an observable action taken in furtherance of the criminal plan, not just a thought, a plan, or a statement of intent. It serves to show commitment and progress toward the unlawful goal. Examples include buying tools, scouting a target, mapping out a location, or meeting to discuss the plan. The idea is to distinguish people who merely talk about a crime from those who take concrete steps to commit it.

So an overt act is an actual step toward the crime, not a thought, a statement of intent, or a mere defense.