What is the legal term for plotting to commit an unlawful act?

The legal term for plotting to commit an unlawful act is conspiracy. This term refers to an agreement between two or more parties to engage in illegal behavior or to achieve a lawful objective through illegal means. The essence of conspiracy is the collaborative aspect of planning or preparing to commit the unlawful act, indicating an intention to execute the crime rather than simply wishing or planning in isolation.

Cohesion refers to the act of forming a united whole, which does not pertain to illegal activities. Collusion typically involves secretive cooperation between parties to deceive or defraud others, and while it can overlap in context with conspiracy, it is more focused on deceit rather than the general act of planning a crime. Compliance signifies adherence to laws, rules, or standards, which is the opposite of plotting to commit an unlawful act. Understanding these distinctions highlights the legal significance of the term "conspiracy" in the context of criminal law.