If evidence shows predisposition to commit a crime, what is the effect on an entrapment defense?

If evidence shows predisposition to commit a crime, what is the effect on an entrapment defense?

• A. The entrapment defense is negated
• B. The entrapment defense is strengthened
• C. There is no effect
• D. It requires government proof of inducement

Answer: (A)

Entrapment hinges on whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime before government involvement. When evidence shows the person would have committed the offense anyway, the entrapment defense cannot succeed. Predisposition means there was no entrapment, even if authorities induced the crime, so the defense is negated. The other options don’t fit because predisposition defeats the defense rather than strengthening it, producing no effect, or placing the burden on government proof of inducement alone.

Entrapment hinges on whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime before government involvement. When evidence shows the person would have committed the offense anyway, the entrapment defense cannot succeed. Predisposition means there was no entrapment, even if authorities induced the crime, so the defense is negated.

The other options don’t fit because predisposition defeats the defense rather than strengthening it, producing no effect, or placing the burden on government proof of inducement alone.