What is significant about the actions of the accused in R v Deutsch in establishing an attempt?

In R v Deutsch, the determination of whether the actions of the accused constituted an attempt hinges on the legal principle that an attempt requires more than just preparatory actions; it necessitates taking significant steps toward committing the crime itself. The court found that the accused's actions went beyond mere preparation and were directly linked to the crime intended.

The significance of this lies in the legal threshold established for an attempt, which is a blend of both intent and action. The prosecution must demonstrate that the accused took concrete actions with the intent to commit a specific offence. In R v Deutsch, these actions evidenced a clear progression toward the commission of the offense, fulfilling the legal criteria for an attempt under Canadian law.

This understanding clarifies the distinction between merely planning and concretely trying to engage in criminal behaviour, as the latter showcases the requisite intent paired with substantive actions, which is crucial in establishing legal culpability for an attempt.