FEDERAL CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY

Cane discuss the general federal conspiracy statute, 18 USC section 371, permits prosecution of conspiracy to commit criminal activity under federal law in the US. Under section 371, it is a crime for two or more persons to conspire to commit any offense against the US or to defraud the US. The general federal conspiracy statute differs from more specific statutes in that it requires at least one conspirator to commit an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy. A conspiracy offense is treated distinctly because it often poses a greater danger to society than a substantive offense committed by a single individual.