What is entrapment in the federal criminal justice system?

Entrapment is a legal defense to criminal charges in the federal criminal justice system. It is defined as a law enforcement officer or agent convincing someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, and then arresting and charging them with it. Entrapment is not a crime, but a defense to criminal charges. In order for an entrapment defense to apply, the defendant must prove that the government encouraged and created a substantial temptation for the defendant to commit a crime, and the defendant must have otherwise had no intention to commit the crime. For example, if an undercover officer asked someone to commit a crime in exchange for money, but the person had no intention of doing so, the defense may be used. In another example, if an undercover officer persuades someone to buy drugs, and the person did not previously plan to buy drugs, entrapment may also be invoked. In California, entrapment is also a defense to alleged crimes. As with federal entrapment, the defendant must prove that the government induced him or her to commit a crime and that the defendant would not have committed the crime without coercion or the promise of reward.

Related FAQs

What are the rights of a person accused of a federal crime?
What is the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in the federal criminal justice system?
What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to the death penalty?
What is the federal criminal investigative process?
What is the difference between federal and state probation laws?
What is the process of filing a federal criminal appeal?
What is the difference between federal and state organized crime laws?
What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to electronic surveillance?
How is a federal crime prosecuted?
What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to white collar crime?

What is entrapment in the federal criminal justice system?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts