Parties to a Crime - Accomplice Liability

Question 1

Define: Principal

Answer 1

the Person who commits the crime

Question 2

Define: Accomplice

Answer 2

A person who assists or encourages the principal with the intent that the crime is committed

Question 3

Examples of what counts as “assisting or encouraging” as an accomplice

Answer 3

1. Words (“Kill Him!”
2. Supplying a person with materials or supplies
3. Acting as a getaway driver

Question 4

Examples of what does not count as assisting and encouraging as an accomplice

Answer 4

1. Failure to intervene
2. Mere presence at the crime scene
3. mere knowledge of the crime

Question 5

Does an accomplice need the specific intent for the crime to be committed?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What can an accomplice be liable for?

Answer 6

1. All crimes committed that the accomplice aids or encourages, and
2. all “natural and probable results” of the crime that the accomplice intended to assist

Question 7

How can an accomplice withdraw from a crime to avoid liability?

Answer 7

1. Repudiating encouragement if he provided encouragement
2. Undoing his assistance is he provided aid
3. Notify authorities or otherwise prevent the crime from happening

Question 8

When is someone an Accessory After the Fact?

Answer 8

If they:

1. knowingly assist a person who committed a felony,
2. with knowledge that the felony has been committed, and with
3. intent to help the principal avoid arrest, trial, or conviction

Question 9

What is an accessory after the fact liable for?

Answer 9

Obstruction of justice, not the felony committed