How is "conspiracy" defined in criminal law?

The definition of "conspiracy" in criminal law is centered around the idea of collaboration between two or more individuals. Specifically, it involves an agreement to engage in a criminal act, which distinguishes it from committing a crime alone. The essence of conspiracy lies in the intent and planning shared between the parties involved, which signals a step towards the commission of a crime.

In this definition, mere discussion or agreement may not suffice; there usually also needs to be an overt act taken in furtherance of the conspiracy, although the exact requirements can vary by jurisdiction. This collaborative element is crucial, as it reflects the acknowledgment of the social harm posed by coordinated illegal actions, and thus is treated seriously under the law.

The other provided choices fail to encapsulate the shared intent and action inherent in conspiracy. The implication of execution in isolation, formal business arrangements, and self-defense pleadings diverge from the conspiratorial framework, which is fundamentally about collaborative criminal conduct.