Aiding, Abetting, and Conspiracy are terms used to determine the level of liability for individuals in a court of law concerning a committed crime. Prosecutors employ these terms to extend the scope and severity of a crime, including more individuals than initially identified as being involved in the crime. Aiding and abetting generally refer to assisting in the commission of a crime or being an accomplice, while a conspiracy charge can be made even if the actual crime has not been committed or carried out. All three terms, aiding, abetting, and conspiracy, are punishable in a court of law.
Key Takeaways
- Aiding and abetting involve assisting in the commission of a crime or being an accomplice, while conspiracy occurs when a plan has been made and at least one act towards the crime has been committed.
- An accomplice actively participates in a crime, even though they may not commit the crime themselves. An accessory is not present at the crime scene and is typically subject to lesser penalties.
- Aiding, abetting, and conspiracy are not crimes in themselves but are punishable by a court of law. It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to decide and prove in court whether an individual aided, abetted, or was a conspirator in a crime.
