Explain the elements of murder including what is required to convict

You are asked to attend a meeting between your firm’s new client, Mr. G. Ilty Assin, and the senior criminal practice attorney, Attorney Cheatham. Mr. Assin was recently arrested and has retained the firm’s services to represent him. Attorney Cheatham asks Mr. Assin to begin by detailing exactly what happened.

I was sitting in a restaurant, and a woman walked over to me and sat down. She said her name was Sally. She asked if I was available, and she winked at me. I’ve been single for 2 years, so I answered yes, I was available, and I winked back. The waiter came, and she ordered a dry martini with three olives. I said I would have the same. Before the drinks came, she said she needed to visit the powder room, and when she got up to leave, she slid an envelope under my water glass. The next thing I knew, I was being arrested and now I’m here. I’m telling you, I didn’t do anything wrong!

The police were following Sally, whom they previously identified as seeking to hire someone to murder her husband. She met an undercover police officer in an Internet chat room and offered him $5,000 to kill her husband. They arranged to meet at the restaurant for the exchange of money. Sally was supposed to meet the undercover police officer, whom she never saw before, at the restaurant and ask if he was available and wink. The undercover officer was supposed to say that yes, he was available and wink back at her. She would then order a dry martini with three olives and the undercover officer would order the same thing. Sally did not know that she picked the wrong man at the restaurant and instead of giving the money to the undercover officer, she gave the money to Mr. Assin.

Assin has been charged with attempt to commit murder in the first degree. Attorney Cheatham tells Mr. Assin that he has a very interesting case and asks you to prepare a memo. The following should be included in the memo:

• Explain the elements of murder including what is required to convict someone of attempt to commit murder.
• Explain whether or not Mr. Assin committed attempt to commit the murder of Sally’s husband.
• Explain why or why he has not committed the crime.

With references please…