Physical proximity doctrine
# Physical proximity doctrine

The physical proximity doctrine is a standard in criminal law for distinguishing between preparation and $attempt.^{:683}$ "Physical" refers to the physical element of a criminal act (actus reus), as distinguished from the mental element of a guilty mind (mens rea). When a person makes preparation to commit a crime, and one of the preparatory acts is close or proximate to the completed crime, the preparation is considered to have merged into being an actual $attempt.^{:683}$ The standard is not a clear bright line $standard.^{:683}$ The closer the preparatory act is to the completed crime, the stronger the case for calling it an $attempt.^{:683}$ The determination as to whether the standard has been met is a matter for the jury to determine.

