conspiracy is a/an ____ crime
would the correct answer be general intent
What are your other choices?
The correct answer is not "general intent." Conspiracy is actually a specific intent crime. Allow me to explain how to determine the correct answer.
In criminal law, intent refers to the mental state or state of mind of the person committing a crime. There are generally two types of intent: general intent and specific intent.
General intent refers to the intention to commit a wrongful act, without any additional specific purpose. In other words, it means intending to do the prohibited act but without any further plans or objectives. Examples of crimes that require general intent include battery (intentional harmful or offensive touching), simple assault (intentionally placing another person in fear of imminent bodily harm), and (intentional non-consensual sexual intercourse).
On the other hand, specific intent refers to the intention to achieve a specific result or outcome through the commission of a crime. This means that the person not only intends to commit the prohibited act but also intends to cause a specific harm or achieve a specific objective. Examples of crimes that require specific intent include murder (intentionally causing the death of another person), burglary (breaking and entering into a dwelling with the specific intent to commit a felony inside), and theft (intentionally taking someone's property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it).
Now, coming back to the question, conspiracy is the act of two or more individuals planning and agreeing to commit a crime together. In order to be guilty of conspiracy, a person must have specific intent. They must intend to not only agree to commit a crime but also intend that the agreed-upon crime be carried out. Therefore, conspiracy is a specific intent crime, not a general intent crime.
I hope this clarifies the correct answer for you!