Title 10 — Armed ForcesRelease 119-73

§880 Art. 80. Attempts

Title 10 › Subtitle Subtitle A— - General Military Law › Part PART II— - PERSONNEL › Chapter CHAPTER 47— - UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER X— - PUNITIVE ARTICLES › § 880

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

If a person purposely does something beyond just getting ready, and that action is meant to bring about a crime under this law, it counts as an attempt even if the crime fails. The act must clearly move toward doing the crime, not just be planning or thinking about it. People covered by this law who try to commit a punishable offense can be punished by a military court as it decides, unless a different punishment is specifically given. A person can still be convicted of an attempt even if the evidence at trial shows the crime was actually completed.

Full Legal Text

Title 10, §880

Armed Forces — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)An act, done with specific intent to commit an offense under this chapter, amounting to more than mere preparation and tending, even though failing, to effect its commission, is an attempt to commit that offense.

(b)Any person subject to this chapter who attempts to commit any offense punishable by this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct, unless otherwise specifically prescribed.

(c)Any person subject to this chapter may be convicted of an attempt to commit an offense although it appears on the trial that the offense was consummated.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 880(a)880(b)50:674(a).50:674(b).May 5, 1950, ch. 169, § 1 (Art. 80), 64 Stat. 134. 880(c)50:674(c). In subsection (a), the words “even though” are substituted for the word “but” for clarity.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

10 U.S.C. § 880

Title 10 — Armed Forces

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73