What particularized standard should be adopted to create a uniform test for when conduct surpasses 'mere preparation' and constitutes a 'substantial step' for purposes of an attempted Hobbs Act robbery?

QUESTIONS PRESENTED FOR REVIEW 1. What particularized standard should be adopted to create a uniform test for when conduct surpasses “mere preparation” and constitutes a “substantial step” for purposes of an attempted Hobbs Act robbery? u PARTIES TO PROCEEDING AND RELATED CASES Parties ¢ Petitioner, Bennie Charles Phillips, Jr., was the Appellant and defendant in the district court. ¢ Respondent, United States of America, was the Appellee. ¢ Respondents, Mare Anthony Hill, Nelson Alexander Polk, John Edward Scott were principal codefendants in the district court. Related Cases ¢ United States v. Hill, No. 19-20251, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Judgment entered May 24, 2022. Opinion withdrawn on reh’g Mar. 22, 2023. ¢ United States v. Hill, No. 4:17-CR-7, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Judgment entered Jul. 8, 2019.