What is meant by 'conspiracy' in Texas Penal Law?

In Texas Penal Law, 'conspiracy' refers to a secret illegal agreement between two or more people to engage in criminal activity. This legal definition emphasizes the element of partnership in crime planning, where the involved parties come together with a common illicit goal. This agreement does not require any overt act to further the conspiracy to be considered unlawful; the formation of the agreement itself is sufficient for prosecution under the law. This concept is significant in law enforcement as it allows authorities to address the planning stages of a crime, often catching individuals before they can execute their criminal intentions.

The other options do not capture the essence of conspiracy as defined in Texas law. A legal event, discussing ideas without intent to act, or collaborating on a legal business do not involve the illegal intent or the agreement among parties necessary to constitute conspiracy. This distinction is crucial in understanding how conspiracy is treated in the criminal justice system.