Reply #46: The benefit does not necessarily have to be pecuniary for it to be fraud...

[Liberation Angel]

to engage in fraud to get others to commit illegal acts which result in benefit to the perpetrator might qualify.

But are you a lawyer?

Why is the term entrapment problematic? It was not a legal sting where such tactics might or might not be legal or proper.

If I solicit a prostitute for sex with the intent of exposing him or her is that not an illegal act even if I have no intent to go through with the act?

If I solicit another to rob a bank so that I can get them in trouble am I not guilty of conspiracy?

I do not think it is as clear cut as you claim.

Also, the socalled brilliance o the "sting" is actually BS once you look carefully at the facts (which are not what has been asserted in the right wing media).

The mens rea to commit a crime goes to the intent to commit a fraud where the perpetrator stands to gain something of value from the person being defrauded: has there been gain or advantage for these perpetrators rom their videos and tapes?

I think this legal question needs to be lookeda t a little more carefully and not dismissed out of hand.

If a civilian solicits prolifers to bomb a planned parenthood center isn't that wrong and illegal if not done by law enforcement? Law enforcement as government operators have immunity --- but should civiians taking these laws into their on hands?

I do not really think so in this case.