Page 7 Flashcards
How is it explained that conspiracy is always premeditated and deliberated first-degree murder?
Intent doesn’t arise all of a sudden within just one person, but is formed and shared by at least two people
All conspiracy to commit murder is what?
Pre-meditated and deliberated first-degree murder
Does the seller of innocent goods become a conspirator if he has knowledge that the buyer will use them to commit a crime?
Not unless he promotes the venture, makes it his own, or has a stake in its outcome
Is selling sugar to an alcohol distiller conspiracy?
No
Is selling tons of morphine to a doctor conspiracy?
Probably, because you promoted the venture
If you are selling commodities that are sold on the free-market, is that conspiracy?
Not Usually
If you sell restricted commodities that are incapable of legal use, is that conspiracy?
Probably
What are the things to consider if you’re deciding whether or not a conspiracy has occurred?
- whether the commodity can be sold on the free-market
- the quantity of the sale
- the relationship between the buyer and seller
- the seller’s initiative and encouragement
- the nature of the goods
How can intent be inferred in a seller/buyer situation when conspiracy is at issue?
- if the seller inflates the price
- the items have no legitimate use
- if the sale has become the dominant part of the seller’s business
How does the seriousness of the crime relate to conspiracy?
The more serious the crime, the more likely the seller is a conspirator
What is the corrupt motive doctrine?
It is implied that the agreement was entered into with an evil purpose
If you can prove you acted in good faith because of something like not knowing about the statute, how does that affect liability?
Might not be liable
What is the Pinkerton rule?
Co-conspirators are guilty of the crimes that are reasonably foreseeable consequences of the commission of the crime
Essentially the Pinkerton rule means what?
Defendant is accountable for crimes directly committed by someone else
What case is the Pinkerton rule based on?
One where the defendant was found guilty of conspiracy even though he was already in jail
What does the MPC say about the Pinkerton rule?
Rejects it
Can a single conspirator be convicted if the other is dead, missing, unavailable for trial, or immune from prosecution?
Yes, but if the other is acquitted, he can’t be tried for conspiracy with the acquitted defendant