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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Powell doctrine
Read a random definition: transnational adoption
A quick definition of Powell doctrine:
The Powell Doctrine, also known as the Corrupt-Motive Doctrine, is a rule in criminal law that states that a conspiracy is only punishable if the agreement was made with an evil purpose, not just with the intention to commit an illegal act. This means that if people plan to do something illegal, but they don't have bad intentions, they cannot be charged with conspiracy. The Powell Doctrine originated in a court case called People v. Powell in 1875, but it has been rejected by the Model Penal Code.
A more thorough explanation:
The Powell Doctrine, also known as the Corrupt-Motive Doctrine, is a legal principle in criminal law that states that a conspiracy is only punishable if the agreement was made with an evil purpose, not just with the intention to commit an illegal act.
For example, if two people plan to rob a bank, but one of them has no intention of actually going through with it and is only pretending to go along with the plan, they cannot be charged with conspiracy under the Powell Doctrine because they did not have an evil purpose.
This doctrine originated in the case of People v. Powell in 1875 and has been rejected by the Model Penal Code. However, it is still used in some jurisdictions.