Attempts- impossible offences

Question 1

Under previous common law, how was an impossible offence dealt with?

Answer 1

Before the criminal attempts act 1991 you could not attempt the impossible.

Question 2

What is meant by an impossible attempt?

Answer 2

-somebody may prepare and intend to commit a crime but it is impossible.

Question 3

What is the current act for impossible offences?

Answer 3

Criminal attempts act 1981.

Question 4

What does the criminal attempts act 1981 state?

Answer 4

-A person may be guilty of attempting to commit an offence to which this section applies even though the facts are such that the commission of the offence is impossible.”

Question 5

Anderton V Ryan

Answer 5

-Brought cheap video recorder she thought was stolen, told the police about it . Even though she went more than merely prepatory her acts were innocent.

Question 6

R V Shivpuri (overturned Ryan)

Answer 6

Tried to smuggle drugs, turns out it was harmless snuff, and he was convicted of dealing with prohibited drugs.