Mental state is an element of most crimes. Conspiracy, for example requires that the conspirator intend for the object of the conspiracy to be carried out. A detective posing as a hit man might arrange with a woman to murder her husband for $5000[0], but can clearly demonstrate he had no intent to carry out the murder. An informant can sell a terrorist fake explosives and clearly demonstrate he had no intention of blowing anything up.
I, as a private citizen could do the same thing, though I might end up having to argue to a jury that my intentions were pure if the police stepped in halfway through.
I, as a private citizen could do the same thing, though I might end up having to argue to a jury that my intentions were pure if the police stepped in halfway through.
[0] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/22/dalia-dippolito-cop...