A substantial step is, "behavior of such a nature that a reasonable observer, viewing it in context could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that it was undertaken in accoradance with a design to violate the statue" (Schmalleger & Hall, 2014 P.95). When it comes to this case I do agree that the girls had taken a substantial step towatd the commission of a targeted offense. For the reason that, Tracie planned with her friend Molly to poison her homeroom teacher. Not only did she planned the crime, she also tried to involve more people into the planned crime, which she was really closed to fullfilling. When it comes to what test does the court establish for Tennessee to determine if a substantial step has been taken, the model code contains
