Attempt
s1(1) Criminal Attempts Act 1981 An act which is more than merely preparatory to the commission
of the offence.
Actus Reus Explanation
An Act ● Omissions are not acceptable.
More Than Merely Preparatory s4(3) Criminal Attempts Act 1981: It is a question of fact.
Indictable Offence s1(4) Criminal Attempts Act 1981:
● Murder
● s18
● Theft
● Robbery
Mens Rea Explanation
Intention To Commit The Offence R v Pearman (1984): Intent is defined the same as it is at
common law.
Additional Cases:
> R v Whybrow (1951): For murder, intent to kill only.
> R v O’Toole (1987): Must attempt to commit basic intent crimes
with intent. Recklessness is only sufficient for the full offence.
> s1(2) Criminal Attempts Act 1981: Conditional intent is
sufficient for attempted theft.
s1(1) Criminal Attempts Act 1981 An act which is more than merely preparatory to the commission
of the offence.
Actus Reus Explanation
An Act ● Omissions are not acceptable.
More Than Merely Preparatory s4(3) Criminal Attempts Act 1981: It is a question of fact.
Indictable Offence s1(4) Criminal Attempts Act 1981:
● Murder
● s18
● Theft
● Robbery
Mens Rea Explanation
Intention To Commit The Offence R v Pearman (1984): Intent is defined the same as it is at
common law.
Additional Cases:
> R v Whybrow (1951): For murder, intent to kill only.
> R v O’Toole (1987): Must attempt to commit basic intent crimes
with intent. Recklessness is only sufficient for the full offence.
> s1(2) Criminal Attempts Act 1981: Conditional intent is
sufficient for attempted theft.
