Legal Definitions - scheme

Scheme refers to a plan or system, which can be understood in two main ways:

• First, it can describe a structured and organized plan or system designed to achieve a specific objective. In this sense, it refers to an orderly arrangement of components or ideas.

• Second, it can refer to a clever or intricate plot, often devised to deceive, mislead, or defraud others. This usage typically carries a negative connotation.

Here are some examples to illustrate these meanings:

• A city council developed a comprehensive scheme for urban revitalization, which included zoning changes, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for new businesses. This example demonstrates the first meaning, as it refers to an organized and systematic plan for community development.

• An investment firm was found guilty of operating a fraudulent scheme where they promised impossibly high returns to clients, but instead used new investors' money to pay off earlier investors, ultimately enriching themselves. This illustrates the second meaning, highlighting a deceptive plot designed to defraud individuals.

• A university implemented a new academic scheme that integrated interdisciplinary studies across various departments, allowing students to pursue more flexible and customized degree paths. Here, "scheme" refers to a structured and orderly arrangement of educational programs and policies.