What is the Difference Between Conspiracy and Complicity?

The main difference between conspiracy and complicity lies in the level of involvement of a person in a criminal act.

Conspiracy refers to an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, engage in illegal activity to achieve a legal end, or deprive someone else of their legal rights. A conspiracy charge means the accused actively engaged in planning a crime, even if the crime was not completed. Conspiracy is considered a separate crime, and a conviction is appropriate once the elements of the crime are met, even if the target crime is not committed.

Complicity, on the other hand, involves a person giving help or counsel in some form to aid someone else in carrying out a crime. A complicit person is aware of a crime that is happening or going to happen but does not report it to the relevant authorities. Complicity is not a crime in itself but is a way of committing a crime.

In summary:

• Conspiracy involves active planning and agreement to commit a crime.
• Complicity involves aiding or giving help to someone else in carrying out a crime.

Comparative Table: Conspiracy vs Complicity

Here is a table illustrating the differences between conspiracy and complicity:

In summary, conspiracy involves active planning and collaboration in secret between two or more people to commit a crime or accomplish a legal act through unlawful means. On the other hand, complicity involves a person actively assisting in a crime or being aware of a crime but not taking action to prevent or report it. Conspiracy is a crime in itself, while complicity is a method of holding someone liable for another's crime.