Legal Definitions - abettator

An abettator is an older, less commonly used legal term for an abettor. An abettor is an individual who, with the necessary intent, encourages, incites, or assists another person in committing a crime. While they may not directly carry out the primary criminal act, their involvement through support, presence, or advice contributes to its commission. This concept is often referred to as 'aiding and abetting.'

Here are some examples to illustrate the role of an abettator:

• Example 1: The Getaway Driver
  During a planned robbery of a jewelry store, Mark waits in a running car outside, ready to drive away his accomplices, Sarah and Tom, after they steal the jewels. Mark knows exactly what Sarah and Tom are doing inside and intends to help them escape. Even though Mark does not enter the store or physically take any jewelry, his role as the getaway driver makes him an abettator because he knowingly and intentionally assisted in the commission of the robbery by providing the means of escape.

• Example 2: The Lookout
  Liam and Chloe plan to break into a warehouse to steal electronics. Liam positions himself across the street with a walkie-talkie, watching for security guards or police, while Chloe cuts the lock and enters the building. Liam's job is to alert Chloe if anyone approaches. In this scenario, Liam is an abettator because he actively facilitated the burglary by acting as a lookout, thereby enabling Chloe to commit the primary act of breaking and entering without immediate detection.

• Example 3: The Instigator
  During a heated argument between two neighbors, Alex repeatedly shouts encouragement to one neighbor, "Hit him! You can take him! Don't let him get away with that!" knowing that his words are likely to incite a physical altercation. The neighbor then punches the other person. Alex, by actively and intentionally encouraging the assault, acts as an abettator, even though he did not throw the punch himself. His verbal incitement directly contributed to the commission of the crime.