Should it be a Crime to Think about Illegal Activities?

'Think' precludes initiating activities to bring the thought into reality. For example, thinking about walk across the just vacuumed carpet without taking one's shoes off or thinking about giving someone the finger.
If you actually plan, with someone else, to commit a crime, it is called conspiracy. Conspiracy is a felony. Conspiracy to commit a felony is a felony, and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor is also a felony.
If you can't do the time...etc.
Regardless of whether it should be a crime or not, exactly how would one enforce it?
Absolutely not. Although many crimes require a Culpable Mental State, ALL CRIMES require an actual and voluntary Act. We can't read peoples' minds. Pure and simple. It opens the doors to all kinds of accusations, with no way to meet the burden of proof 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. It would only clog the courts, which are already backlogged as it is.
How can you possibly know what another person is thinking? Is there such a thing as the thought police now?
Of course not. Anyone can think about anything. But to act in furtherance of an illegal activity is unlawful -- which is appropriate.
Listen, if it were a crime to think about illegal activities then we'd all be locked up! Especially when it comes to fat chicks and midgets! ew Personally, every time I see one or the other I just wish to kick them both and watch 'em roll!
no, i may think about building a rocket ship and going to outer space, but i'm not going to. and yes the government would definitely think it a crime.
Well, if the Fairness Doctrine gets passed by the Liberals, I am sure Thought Crimes will be next. That is why we have video games like 'Manhunt' and GTA series, also great TV shows like 'Oz'.
But if either the Christian Conservatives or Liberals were to have total power, then there would be the 'ThinkPol', telling you what you can read, watch, think.
Also there is no real way to enforce thought crimes, unless some one were to write about it.


Answer:
no, as long as you keep what you think to yourself and not act on it.