Abettor

Abettor An abettor is a person who encourages, incites, or assists another in the commission of a crime. The term is often used in legal contexts to describe someone who plays a supportive role in the perpetration of a criminal act, without being the principal offender. Abettors can be held criminally liable for their actions, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the crime.

Legal Definition

In legal terms, an abettor is someone who, with the requisite criminal intent, aids, encourages, or assists another person in committing a crime. This can include providing physical assistance, offering advice or encouragement, or facilitating the crime in some other way. The actions of an abettor must be intentional and done with the knowledge that they are contributing to a criminal act.

Types of Abettors

Abettors can be classified into different categories based on their level of involvement and the nature of their assistance:

• Principal in the second degree: A person who is present at the scene of the crime and assists the principal offender.
• Accessory before the fact: A person who assists in the planning or preparation of the crime but is not present during its commission.
• Accessory after the fact: A person who assists the principal offender after the crime has been committed, such as by helping them evade capture or destroy evidence.

Legal Consequences

The legal consequences for abettors can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific crime involved. In many legal systems, abettors can face the same penalties as the principal offenders, including imprisonment, fines, and other sanctions. The severity of the punishment often depends on the abettor's level of involvement and the nature of the crime.

Related Legal Concepts

• Accomplice
• Accessory (legal term)
• Conspiracy (criminal)
• Aiding and abetting
• Criminal law

See Also

• Principal (criminal law)
• Complicity
• Mens rea
• Actus reus
• Criminal liability