Which statement is true about attempt?

• A. Intent to commit the object crime; conduct dangerously close to completion; completion is not required.
• B. Completion of the crime is required.
• C. No intent is necessary.
• D. Any act suffices regardless of closeness.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that attempt liability requires two things: a specific intent to commit the crime, and a substantial step toward its commission that goes beyond mere preparation. The step must show dangerous proximity to completing the crime, not just planning. Importantly, the crime does not have to be finished—attempt punishes falling short of completion.

That’s why the statement stating that you need intent to commit the crime and a conduct that comes dangerously close to finishing, with completion not required, is the best fit. It captures the essence that the act must be toward the crime and sufficiently near completion, but completion itself is not necessary for liability.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: completion of the crime is not required, which is true, but saying completion is required would be misleading. No intent is necessary is incorrect because a specific intent to commit the crime is essential. And the idea that any act suffices regardless of closeness ignores the requirement of a substantial step showing dangerous proximity to the crime’s completion.