Preparatory Acts and Their Distinction from Attempt in the Context of Cybercrime: A Comparative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Law.2026.13395Keywords:
Cybercrime, preparatory acts, criminal attempt, criminal participationAbstract
Objectives: This study examines the legal issues arising from the Jordanian legislator’s policy in addressing preparatory acts, particularly in cybercrime. It aims to clarify the legislator’s stance on such acts, their relation to the concept of attempt, and the extent to which this position aligns with general principles of criminal policy.
Methods: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology by outlining the concept of preparatory acts and analyzing the Jordanian legislator’s approach. It focuses on Article 11 of the Jordanian Cybercrime Law of 2023, while comparing these provisions with the general principles of Jordanian Penal Code, as well as relevant scholarly and judicial opinions.
Results: The findings reveal that preparatory acts may overlap with attempts, creating difficulties in determining the dividing line between them, which lies in identifying the starting point of execution. It further shows that criminalizing such acts under Article 11 of the Cybercrime Law constitutes an unjustified expansion of criminal liability, potentially conflicting with the principle of legality and threatening fundamental rights and freedoms. This legislative approach reflects a strict criminal policy that may adversely affect individual rights and liberties.
Conclusions: The study concludes that criminalizing preparatory acts, particularly in misdemeanors, lacks a sound legal basis. It recommends establishing precise criteria to distinguish between preparatory acts and attempts, and avoiding the expansion of criminalization to include preparatory conduct except where strictly necessary. Such measures would ensure a balance between prevention and deterrence and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms
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