In conspiracy, which statement best describes the rule that an overt act must do what?

• A. Be a written contract among conspirators.
• B. Be a mere plan.
• C. Be an admission by all conspirators.
• D. Go beyond mere preparation toward the completion of the crime.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that, in conspiracy, there must be an action that shows the plan is moving toward actually committing the crime, not just thinking or planning about it. The overt act must go beyond mere preparation and bring the conspirators closer to finishing the offense. It doesn't have to be illegal by itself, but it must be a concrete step toward the target crime. For example, things like buying tools, scouting a location, or contacting another participant count because they demonstrate progress toward execution. Merely discussing the plan or agreeing to act, without any actual step taken, would not satisfy the requirement.