What is meant by "Conduct" in legal terms?

In legal terms, "conduct" encompasses both the actions taken by an individual as well as their mental state at the time of those actions. This definition is foundational in criminal law because it acknowledges that behavior must be analyzed in context, including the intentions or mental states behind those actions. For example, a person may perform an act that is unlawful, but if they lack the requisite intent (such as acting in self-defense), their conduct may not constitute a crime.

Understanding conduct in this way helps clarify why mere actions or omissions (the physical side of conduct) cannot be evaluated without considering the mental state involved. This duality ensures that the legal system can differentiate between culpable and non-culpable behavior.

Other options, while relevant to aspects of law, do not fully capture the comprehensive definition of "conduct." A verbal agreement may indicate intent but lacks the element of action or omission. A behavior associated with a crime is too narrow, as it does not account for the necessary mental state. Similarly, a series of criminal actions lacks the important consideration of mental state and therefore doesn't represent the broader legal understanding of conduct.