What does "aiding and abetting" involve in terms of criminal liability?

Aiding and abetting in criminal law signifies an individual’s involvement in a crime, not through direct participation in the act but by providing support or encouragement to the primary offender. This can encompass various forms of assistance such as verbal encouragement, logistical support, or even being present during the commission of the crime to bolster the primary offender’s confidence.

To establish liability for aiding and abetting, it is sufficient to show that the individual intended to facilitate the crime and that their support contributed to its commission. This principle underscores the importance of intention and assistance in establishing criminal liability; the person must be aware of the primary offender's intent to commit the crime and must actively support that intent in some way.

In contrast, merely providing physical support without encouragement or intention to assist in the commission of the crime does not fulfill the criteria for aiding and abetting. Similarly, financial support alone does not equate to the act of encouraging or facilitating, as it lacks the necessary intent and involvement in the crime itself. Finally, assisting with legal representation post-offense pertains to post-criminal conduct and does not relate to aiding and abetting in the commission of the crime. Thus, the emphasis on encouragement and support defines the correct understanding of aiding and abetting in terms of