What defines 'attempt' in legal terms?

In legal terms, 'attempt' is defined as taking a substantial step toward the commission of a crime, indicating that the individual has moved beyond mere intention and has engaged in actions that demonstrate a clear intention to commit the offense. This understanding reflects the principle that a person doesn't need to complete the crime for it to be considered an attempt; the focus is on actions that materially advance the objective of committing the crime.

This concept is important in criminal law because it allows for accountability even when the crime has not been completed. For example, if an individual is caught preparing to carry out a robbery, even if they have not yet entered the target location, their actions may still be classified as an attempt based on the substantial steps they have taken towards committing the crime.

The other choices represent different legal concepts. A command to commit a crime refers to solicitation, where one person encourages another to engage in criminal activity. An agreement plus an overt act defines conspiracy, which involves an agreement between two or more parties to commit a crime and at least one of them taking some action toward that goal. Criminal conduct by a minor focuses on the individual’s age and their capacity for criminal responsibility rather than the attempt to commit a crime itself.