The K-Zone: attempt

According to the CriminalAttemptsAct1981 a person is guilty of an offence if he attempts to commit any offence. This is so even if the commission is itself impossible, and even if the acts carried out do not even amount to an offense on the particular facts. So, for example, if a person attempts to import prohibited drugs into the UK, he is guilt of an offence even if the `drugs' were, in fact, sugar, and even if the real drug he though he was importing would have decomposed in the meantime.

The ActusReus of an attempt is any act that is `more than merely preparatory' to the offence. The MensRea is usually held to be an intention that the offence be carried out.

CriminalLaw