Which describes a substantial step toward the commission of a crime?

Which describes a substantial step toward the commission of a crime?

• A. Anything which constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of a crime.
• B. An actual act that completes the crime.
• C. A mere thought about the crime.
• D. A dismissed complaint.

Answer: (A)

To be guilty of an attempt, the law looks for a substantial step toward the crime—an action that goes beyond mere planning and strongly shows the person intends to complete it. The statement described captures that idea, defining an attempt by the presence of a substantial step toward the commission. Finishing the crime isn’t an attempt at all; it’s the completed act. A thought alone isn’t an action, and a dismissed complaint isn’t connected to an ongoing criminal act.

To be guilty of an attempt, the law looks for a substantial step toward the crime—an action that goes beyond mere planning and strongly shows the person intends to complete it. The statement described captures that idea, defining an attempt by the presence of a substantial step toward the commission. Finishing the crime isn’t an attempt at all; it’s the completed act. A thought alone isn’t an action, and a dismissed complaint isn’t connected to an ongoing criminal act.