substantial step test
substantial-step test. Criminal law. The Model Penal Code’s test for determining whether a person is guilty of attempt, based on the extent of the defendant’s preparation for the crime, the criminal intent shown, and any statements personally made that bear on the defendant’s actions. Model Penal Code § 5.01(1)(c). See ATTEMPT. [Cases: Criminal Law 44. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 114–123.]
