Legal Definitions - res ipsa loquitur test

The res ipsa loquitur test is a method used to determine if a defendant has attempted to commit a crime. It is based on whether the defendant's actions would have indicated to an observer what they intended to do.

For example, if someone is caught breaking into a house with tools commonly used for burglary, it is clear that they intended to commit a crime. This would be an example of the res ipsa loquitur test being applied.

Attempt is a criminal offense that involves taking steps towards committing a crime, but falling short of actually completing it. The Model Penal Code defines an attempt as any act that is a substantial step towards committing a crime, such as following the intended victim or unlawfully entering a building where a crime is expected to be committed.

It is important to note that not every act done with the intent to commit a crime is considered an attempt. For example, buying matches with the intent to burn a haystack is not an attempt, but lighting a match near the haystack would be considered an attempt.

The res ipsa loquitur test is just one of several tests used to determine if an attempt has been made. Other tests include the dangerous-proximity test, indispensable-element test, last-proximate-act test, physical-proximity test, and probable-desistance test.