What is the primary characteristic of entrapment in a legal context?

The primary characteristic of entrapment in a legal context is that it involves persuading a person to commit a crime they had no intention of committing. This concept is rooted in the legal definition of entrapment, where law enforcement officers induce or persuade a person to engage in criminal behavior that they would not have otherwise attempted. This can occur through various means, such as coercion, deception, or manipulation, leading the individual to commit an offense that they were not predisposed to commit on their own.

Entrapment serves as a crucial concept in law, as it can impact the validity of a prosecution. If successfully proven, entrapment can provide a defense for the accused, arguing that they were led into criminal activity by law enforcement rather than acting of their own volition. Understanding this characteristic is important for discussions around legal ethics, law enforcement practices, and the rights of individuals accused of crimes.