Acts must be more than merely preparatory to constitute criminal attempts

Mere presence at scene of crime insufficient for secondary liability without encouragement or assistance

Established the 'more than merely preparatory' test for criminal attempts.

Approaching premises with intent insufficient for attempted robbery without entry

Employers vicariously liable for employee's unauthorised but connected acts during employment.

Involuntary intoxication no defence if criminal intent still formed

Secondary parties liable if principal's acts were foreseeable consequences of joint venture

Voluntary intoxication no defence to crimes of basic intent

Actus reus can be satisfied by omission where legal duty to act exists

Impossibility could provide defence to attempts - later overruled

A continuing act can constitute assault when mens rea is formed during the act.

House of Lords clarifies intent requirements for assault causing bodily harm

Impossibility provides no defence to criminal attempt charges

Railway gatekeeper convicted for manslaughter by omission after failing duty

Transferred malice doctrine established when defendant injures unintended victim

Criminal liability established for murder by omission where duty to act exists

Intoxication can negate specific intent but not basic intent; established key intoxication defence principles.

Defendant liable for victim's unforeseeable reaction to assault

No unlawful act manslaughter without mens rea for the underlying unlawful act

Partial entry trapped in window still constitutes entry for burglary purposes.

Employers liable for employees' torts despite express prohibitions if within employment scope.

Pre-incorporation contracts create personal liability for promoters, not company liability.

Criminal damage can apply to your own property when others have legal interests.

Transferred malice doesn't apply when the type of harm differs from intended

House of Lords establishes liability for omission after creating dangerous situation

Property owners cannot claim contributory negligence against injured burglars

Unintentional personal injury claims must be brought in negligence, not trespass.