What does ‘common design’ refer to in criminal law?

‘Common design’ in criminal law refers to the shared intent to commit a crime among individuals involved in the criminal act. This concept is crucial in establishing liability for parties who collaborate in committing an offense, as it implies that they have a mutual understanding and agreement to pursue a specific unlawful objective. When individuals work together, and their actions are directed towards the completion of that criminal goal, the law may hold all participants accountable, even if not everyone directly executed each part of the crime.

This principle is particularly relevant in cases where multiple defendants are charged with conspiracy or related offenses, as it helps to demonstrate that all parties had a collective purpose in the commission of the crime, thereby justifying the imposition of liability on all involved. In essence, ‘common design’ underscores the importance of collaborative intent in evaluating criminal responsibility. Other options, while related to legal concepts, do not accurately reflect what 'common design' specifically means within the context of criminal law.