The Illustrated Guide to Criminal Law
Chapter 9: At Least You Tried.
Attempt pg 11: Mere Intent

So the same goes for Dana, who actually intends to kill you. Although she’s loaded with mens rea, she hasn’t done anything with it.

Silhouette of Dana in a chair, playing with a yo-yo.

Mens rea without some actus reus is never a crime. So Dana doesn’t deserve to be punished, either.

Average Joe in detective garb.

AVERAGE JOE

Still, you probably ought to steer clear of her.