1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Overt Act

OVERT ACT (O. Fr. overt, from ouvrir, to open), in law, an open act, one that can be clearly proved by evidence, and from which criminal intent can be inferred, as opposed to a mere intention in the mind to commit a crime (see Intent). The term is more particularly employed in cases of treason (q.v.), which must be demonstrated by some overt or open act.