Abnormal step

The abnormal step approach is a standard for distinguishing between preparation and attempt in a criminal case.^[1]: 683 If a person takes a series of steps in preparation for a crime, then takes a step that a normal noncriminal person would have come to their good senses and held back from taking (an abnormal step), then that is evidence of an attempt.^[1]: 683

See also

• Attempt
• Inchoate crime