What constitutes unlawful assembly?

Unlawful assembly is defined as a gathering of individuals that poses a threat to public peace or safety, usually due to the intent to engage in illegal activities. The correct answer highlights that unlawful assembly occurs when two or more individuals come together with the intention to commit an unlawful act. This reflects the legal perspective that simply gathering is not enough to be deemed unlawful; rather, the purpose or intent behind the assembly is critical.

In contrast, gathering for a legal protest, as mentioned in the first choice, is not regarded as unlawful if it adheres to legal regulations and respects the rights of others. Similarly, simply gathering in a public space does not imply any criminal intent, and a discussion about a crime, while possibly concerning, does not indicate an actual assembly for the purpose of committing the crime. Thus, the emphasis on committing an unlawful act distinguishes the correct answer, identifying the critical element that elevates an assembly to the status of being unlawful.