PLANNING IN CRIMINAL CONDUCT AND ITS IMPACT ON CRIMINAL SANCTIONS AND PUNISHMENT Planning in the commission of a crime may constitute an important factor in assessing the nature, seriousness, and degree of culpability associated with criminal conduct. In comparative criminal law, however, the legal significance of planning or premeditation depends upon the applicable domestic law, the definition of the offence, and the legal framework governing sentencing. 1. Planning, Preparation, and Premeditation The concept of planning generally concerns conduct undertaken before the commission of an offence, including preparation, deliberation, coordination, selection of means, identification of a target, or other acts demonstrating a prior decision to engage in criminal conduct. The term premeditation may carry a more specific legal meaning. In certain legal systems, premeditation is an element or qualifying circumstance of a particular offence. In others, it may be relevant primarily to t...