Forsøgtegn

Forsøgtegn is a term used in some Scandinavian legal systems to refer to an attempted crime. It specifically denotes situations where a person has taken a concrete step towards committing a criminal offense, but has not yet completed the act or achieved the intended result. This concept differentiates between mere preparation and the actual commencement of the criminal act.

The legal threshold for what constitutes a forsøgtegn varies depending on the specific jurisdiction and the nature of the crime. Generally, it requires that the individual’s actions go beyond mere planning or thought and enter a stage where the commission of the crime is imminent or has actively begun. For example, in a theft, merely thinking about stealing an item is not enough, but picking the lock of a door to gain entry to a building where the item is located could be considered a forsøgtegn.

The legal consequence of a forsøgtegn is typically a lesser penalty than that for a completed crime. This reflects the principle that the harm caused or risked is not as extensive. However, it still serves as a basis for criminal liability, recognizing the intent and the actions taken by the perpetrator. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to commit the crime and that their actions met the criteria for an attempted offense under the relevant law. The concept is designed to allow for intervention and punishment before a crime is fully realized, thus serving a preventive function in the justice system.