Define: Civil Conspiracy

Civil Conspiracy
Civil Conspiracy
Quick Summary of Civil Conspiracy

Civil conspiracy occurs when two or more individuals conspire to engage in unlawful activities that result in harm to an individual or their belongings. It can be likened to a covert scheme to carry out wrongful actions. All parties involved in the conspiracy bear responsibility for the resulting harm. It is distinct from the actual criminal act as it focuses on the agreement to commit the crime rather than the crime itself.

Full Definition Of Civil Conspiracy

Civil conspiracy occurs when two or more individuals agree to engage in an illegal act that results in harm or damage to a person or property. It differs from criminal conspiracy, which involves an agreement to commit a crime. The objective of civil conspiracy is to cause harm or damage to someone or something. For instance, if two business owners conspire to spread false rumors about a competitor with the intention of driving them out of business, this would be considered civil conspiracy. The aim is to harm the competitor’s business, and the agreement between the two business owners establishes the conspiracy. Another example of civil conspiracy is when a group of people agree to boycott a business in order to compel them to change their policies. If the boycott causes harm to the business, the group may be held accountable for civil conspiracy. In both of these instances, there is an agreement among two or more individuals to engage in an unlawful act that causes harm or damage, thus constituting civil conspiracy.

Civil Conspiracy FAQ'S

Civil conspiracy refers to a legal claim where two or more individuals or entities agree to commit an unlawful act or engage in wrongful conduct that causes harm to another person or entity.

To establish civil conspiracy, the following elements must be proven: (1) an agreement between two or more parties, (2) with the intent to achieve an unlawful objective, and (3) an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy that causes harm to the plaintiff.

Yes, civil conspiracy claims can be brought against both individuals and corporations. As long as the elements of civil conspiracy are met, any party involved in the conspiracy can be held liable.

In a civil conspiracy lawsuit, the plaintiff can seek various damages, including compensatory damages for any harm suffered, punitive damages to punish the defendants, and injunctive relief to prevent further harm.

Yes, in most jurisdictions, it is necessary to prove an underlying tort or wrongful act that the defendants conspired to commit. The civil conspiracy claim is typically brought in addition to the underlying tort claim.

Yes, civil conspiracy claims can be brought against government entities if they are involved in a conspiracy to commit an unlawful act or engage in wrongful conduct that causes harm.

The statute of limitations for filing a civil conspiracy claim varies by jurisdiction. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine the specific time limit applicable to your case.

Yes, a civil conspiracy claim can be brought against someone who did not directly participate in the conspiracy if they aided, abetted, or encouraged the conspirators in committing the unlawful act or engaging in wrongful conduct.

Yes, a civil conspiracy claim can be brought in addition to other claims, such as negligence, fraud, or defamation. It allows the plaintiff to hold all parties involved in the conspiracy accountable for their actions.

Common defences against a civil conspiracy claim include lack of evidence of an agreement, lack of intent to achieve an unlawful objective, and lack of an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine the best defence strategy for your specific case.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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