What defines an overt act in conspiracy?

• A. An act done for the purpose of advancing or helping the conspiracy.
• B. An act that harms someone outside the conspiracy.
• C. An act that is illegal.
• D. A mere expression of support for the conspiracy.

Answer: (A)

In conspiracy law, an overt act is any concrete step taken to move the plan forward after the conspiracy has been formed. It shows the participants are actually acting on the agreement and pursuing the crime, not just talking about it. The act doesn’t have to be illegal by itself; it just has to advance the conspiracy toward its objective. This is why the described option, an act done to help the conspiracy, is the best choice. Merely expressing support or making plans without any observable step forward doesn’t meet the overt-act idea, and acts that harm someone outside the conspiracy aren’t what defines an overt act unless they also advance the plan.