Legal Definitions - incite

Incite refers to the act of actively encouraging, provoking, or stirring up another person or a group to commit an illegal or criminal act. It involves using words or actions that are intended to persuade or influence others to engage in unlawful behavior.

• Example 1: Public Call to Action

  During a heated public protest, a speaker on a megaphone shouts to the crowd, "This is our chance to make them listen! Let's march to the city hall and smash every window until they address our demands!"

  Explanation: The speaker's words are a direct attempt to provoke and encourage the crowd to commit acts of vandalism and property destruction, which are illegal. By urging them to "smash every window," the speaker is inciting criminal behavior.

• Example 2: Online Instigation

  An anonymous user posts on a social media forum dedicated to a particular cause, "The only way to stop this new policy is to shut down the main highway during rush hour tomorrow. Everyone meet at the bridge at 7 AM and block traffic completely!"

  Explanation: This online post is an act of inciting because it specifically encourages and organizes a group of people to commit an illegal act (blocking a public highway, which can lead to charges like unlawful assembly or obstruction of traffic). The user is stirring up others to engage in criminal conduct.

• Example 3: Personal Encouragement to Commit a Crime

  A person discovers their neighbor's dog has repeatedly damaged their garden. They then tell a friend, "You know, if that dog just 'disappeared,' my garden would be safe. I heard some people leave poisoned meat out for nuisance animals."

  Explanation: In this scenario, the person is subtly but clearly encouraging their friend to commit an illegal act of animal cruelty (poisoning the dog). While not a direct command, the suggestion and implied approval of such an act can be considered inciting.