The Case of Lady Eldon's French Lace
Hypothetical Case
No Citation
Relevant factsFree
Lady Eldon secretly bought what she believed was expensive French lace while traveling with her husband and hid it in their coach, intending to smuggle it into England without paying duty. A customs officer discovered the lace, which turned out to be inexpensive English lace, not dutiable French lace at all. She was charged with attempt.
IssueFree
Whether a defendant may be found guilty of attempt based on what she believed or intended at the time, even though the actual item involved would not have made the completed act a crime.