To employ an entrapment defense, what must be shown about law enforcement's behavior?

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To successfully employ an entrapment defense, it is essential to show that law enforcement's conduct created a substantial risk that the crime would be committed by a person who otherwise would not have engaged in that behavior. This aspect of the defense focuses on the actions of law enforcement officers in enticing or inducing an individual to commit a crime, indicating that the individual's criminal behavior would not have occurred without such provocation.

Entrapment typically involves a situation where an officer's actions go beyond mere encouragement and instead create conditions that make committing the crime almost irresistible for an otherwise law-abiding citizen. In this context, demonstrating that the law enforcement officers created a substantial risk of the commission of an offense is critical for the defense to be valid; it highlights the provocative nature of their actions rather than simply observing or investigating criminal behavior.

The other options suggest motives or behaviors that don’t align with the specific legal definition of entrapment. For instance, showing that officers acted with malice or bombarded the individual with offers doesn’t capture the essence of creating a substantial risk. Additionally, acting under lawful authority speaks to the legality of the officers' operations rather than the inducement necessary for an entrapment claim.

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