ATTEMPTED CRIME Meaning and
Definition
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An attempted crime refers to an act or behavior that constitutes a deliberate effort to commit an unlawful act, with the intention of completing it, but for some reason, it is not successfully executed. It is an act where an individual takes specific steps towards commissioning a crime but is not able to fully fulfill their criminal objective. This term applies to a range of criminal offenses, encompassing both violent offenses and property crimes.
To qualify as an attempted crime, certain elements must be met. It requires evidence of an individual's intent to commit the offense, such as planning, preparation, or explicit actions towards its execution. The actions taken by the perpetrator must directly correspond to the commission of the specific crime they aim to commit.
Legally speaking, an attempted crime is considered a criminal offense in its own right, even if the criminal act in question is not completed. Punishments for attempted crimes are typically less severe than those for complete crimes, reflecting the fact that the offense was not fully realized. The severity of penalties often depends on the nature and potential consequences of the intended crime.
The distinction between an attempted crime and a completed crime is crucial in the criminal justice system as it enables law enforcement and the courts to intervene at an earlier stage, potentially preventing harm or damage that could arise if the criminal act were accomplished.
Etymology of ATTEMPTED CRIME
The word "attempted" is derived from the Old French word "attempter", which means "to try" or "to endeavor". It is attributed to the Latin word "attemptare", which carries the same meaning. The term "crime" traces its origins back to the Latin word "crimen", meaning "charge" or "accusation". It later evolved into the Old French word "crime", which referred to an offense or violation of the law. When combined, "attempted crime" refers to an act of trying or endeavoring to commit a violation of the law.
