What does the term "overt act" relate to in conspiracy laws in Missouri?

The term "overt act" in the context of conspiracy laws in Missouri refers to an action taken by at least one of the conspirators to further the agreement to commit a crime. In conspiracy cases, it is not sufficient for individuals simply to agree to commit a crime; there must be some concrete step taken toward the execution of that conspiracy. This requirement ensures that there is clear evidence of the intent to commit the crime and demonstrates that the conspirators are moving beyond mere planning into actual conduct.

This concept serves as a critical threshold in enforcing conspiracy charges, as it helps separate mere discussion or thought of a crime from wrongful acts that indicate a serious commitment to carry out the criminal intent. Therefore, it is essential that this "overt act" is tied directly to the conspiracy and demonstrates actions that show a commitment to the shared criminal objective.