A certain crime is punishable if attempted but not punishable if committed.
Suicide
Why this works
This riddle plays on the difference between intention and action. The phrase "punishable if attempted" refers to the legal concept that attempting suicide may lead to intervention or legal consequences, as society seeks to prevent self-harm. However, if the act is completed, it cannot be punished because the individual can no longer be held accountable for their actions. Thus, the riddle cleverly highlights the paradox of legal and moral responsibility regarding the act of suicide.