what is solicitation of murder mean

Solicitation of murder means asking, encouraging, hiring, or trying to get someone else to kill a person, with a real, serious intent that the killing actually happen. It is treated as its own serious crime, even if no one is hurt and the murder never takes place.

Basic meaning

• In plain terms, solicitation is when someone tries to involve another person in committing a crime.

• When the crime requested is killing someone, it becomes solicitation of murder (often called “soliciting murder” or “solicitation to commit murder”).

• The law focuses on the act of asking or inducing, not on whether the killing actually happens.

Legal elements (general idea)

While the exact wording varies by place, most laws require:

• The person asked, encouraged, commanded, or hired someone else to commit murder.

• The person had a genuine intent that a real first‑degree (or intentional) murder be carried out, not just a joke or angry venting.

• The other person does not have to agree, attempt, or succeed; the solicitation itself is enough to be a separate crime.

Simple examples

• Offering money to a “hitman” to kill a spouse, partner, business rival, or witness can be solicitation of murder, even if the hitman never makes a move.

• Telling someone, in a serious and purposeful way, “I’ll pay you if you kill X for me,” and taking steps like discussing details or payment, can be enough for a charge.

How it’s different from other crimes

• Different from murder: Murder requires that someone is actually killed; solicitation of murder focuses on the request or inducement.

• Different from attempt: Attempt usually involves taking direct steps yourself toward the killing, while solicitation is about trying to get someone else to do it.

• Inchoate offense: It is an “incomplete” or inchoate crime, meaning it punishes dangerous steps toward a serious crime before it happens.

Seriousness and penalties

• Solicitation of murder is treated as a very serious violent offense, often punished with long prison sentences because it shows clear intent to have someone killed.

• Penalties can be even harsher where money or “murder for hire” is involved, or where the target is a witness, public official, or similar protected person.

If you or someone you know is anywhere near a real situation involving talk of harming or killing someone, it is important to step away from those conversations and, if there is immediate danger, contact local authorities or emergency services.