Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Motive, Preparation, and Conduct (Section 8 IEA / Section 6 BSA)
Evidentiary Rules & Proof Standards
Definition
Evidence showing the psychological incentive that drove an accused (motive), the steps taken to equip themselves for the act (preparation), and their subsequent physical actions (conduct, such as absconding or hiding evidence).
Example
In a poisoning murder trial, the prosecution proves that the deceased had initiated eviction proceedings against the accused (motive), the accused purchased rat poison two days earlier (preparation), and the accused fled the village immediately upon discovering the death (subsequent conduct).