Difference between revisions of "Aid and abet"
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DamianJohn (talk | contribs) (Apparently US law has a very different interpretation of this term to what I am used to, apologies if this isn't quite accurate.) |
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| − | ''' | + | To '''aid and abet''' is to intentionally and knowingly assist in or encourage the commission of a crime. Generally speaking and aider or abettor is considered a '''party''' to the offence, compared to the perpetrator who is the '''principle'''. Whilst jurisdictions vary, many common law jurisdictions apply a maximum sentence that is exactly half that of a principle offender. |
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| + | An aider or abettor can be contrasted with an accomplice to a crime (such as a getaway driver) who will generally be considered a principle offender. The distinction arises from the passive nature of the encouragement or assistance given. | ||
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| + | See also [[Accomplice]] and [[Accessory]] | ||
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| + | [[Category:Legal Terms]] | ||
Revision as of 06:31, December 24, 2012
To aid and abet is to intentionally and knowingly assist in or encourage the commission of a crime. Generally speaking and aider or abettor is considered a party to the offence, compared to the perpetrator who is the principle. Whilst jurisdictions vary, many common law jurisdictions apply a maximum sentence that is exactly half that of a principle offender.
An aider or abettor can be contrasted with an accomplice to a crime (such as a getaway driver) who will generally be considered a principle offender. The distinction arises from the passive nature of the encouragement or assistance given.
See also Accomplice and Accessory