In the context of legal definitions, what is solicitation?

Solicitation refers to the act of enticing, encouraging, or persuading someone to engage in unlawful behavior. This definition aligns well with the understanding that solicitation is inherently about the attempt to instigate a crime by attempting to persuade another person to commit an act that is illegal.

In legal terms, the focus is on the intention behind the solicitation—it's about the effort to convince another individual to carry out a criminal act, even if that act has not yet been executed. This distinguishes solicitation from actions like merely planning to commit a crime or making agreements, which do not necessarily involve actual encouragement or persuasion toward action.

The other options touch on important but distinct elements of criminal law. Planning to commit a crime refers to preparation, which does not involve directing another person. Making an agreement to commit an unlawful act indicates a conspiracy, which involves two or more people agreeing to commit a crime. Aiding in the commission of a crime involves actively assisting someone in carrying out a crime rather than simply persuading or encouraging them to do it.