aid and abet definition – aid and abet defined

aid and abet To assist in the performance of a crime either before or during (but

not after) its commission. Aiding usually refers to material assistance (e.g. providing

the tools for the crime), and abetting to lesser assistance (e.g. acting as a look-out or

driving a car to the scene of the crime). Aiders and abettors are liable to be tried as

*accessories. Mere presence at the scene of a crime is not regarded as aiding and

abetting. It  is unnecessary to have a criminal motive to be guilty of aiding and

abetting: knowledge that one is assisting the criminal is sufficient. See also IMPEDING

APPREHENSION OR PROSECUTION.

Filed under: Criminal Law, Law Dictionary