Fact Check: "The United States has laws against soliciting murder and conspiracy to commit murder."
What We Know
The claim that the United States has laws against soliciting murder and conspiracy to commit murder is accurate. Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S. Code § 1117, conspiracy to commit murder is explicitly prohibited. This statute states that if two or more persons conspire to violate certain sections related to murder, and one or more of those individuals take an overt act to further that conspiracy, they can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for any term of years or for life (source-1).
Additionally, the law encompasses various forms of murder, including those committed against federally protected individuals and within special maritime jurisdiction (source-2). Furthermore, 18 U.S.C. § 373 addresses solicitation to commit a crime of violence, which includes murder, thereby reinforcing the legal framework against soliciting such acts (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is grounded in established U.S. federal law. The statutes cited are part of the United States Code, which is a comprehensive compilation of federal laws. The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from official legal texts and government publications.
The specific mention of conspiracy laws in 18 U.S.C. § 1117 indicates that the U.S. legal system recognizes the seriousness of planning a murder, even if the act itself has not been carried out. This is a critical aspect of criminal law, as it aims to prevent violent crimes before they occur. The law also addresses solicitation, which is the act of encouraging or persuading someone to commit a crime, thus covering both direct and indirect involvement in murder (source-3).
While there are various interpretations and applications of these laws in different contexts, the fundamental legal framework against soliciting and conspiring to commit murder is clear and enforced across the United States.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The United States indeed has laws against both soliciting murder and conspiracy to commit murder, as outlined in federal statutes. The legal provisions are designed to address and penalize not only the act of murder itself but also the planning and solicitation of such acts, reflecting a comprehensive approach to preventing violent crime.
Sources
- 18 U.S. Code § 1117 - Conspiracy to murder | U.S. Code | US Law | LII
- 1622. Substantive Offenses --Conspiracy To Murder -- 18 U.S.C. 1117
- 18 USC Ch. 19: CONSPIRACY - House
- U.S.C. Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - GovInfo
- 311 - United States Sentencing Commission
- Solicitation to Commit a Federal Crime - What You Need to Know
