Legal Definitions - abettor

An abettor is an individual who knowingly helps, encourages, or assists another person in committing a crime. This person does not necessarily carry out the main criminal act themselves but plays a supportive role that enables the crime to occur.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of an abettor:

• Example 1: The Getaway Driver

  Imagine a scenario where two individuals plan to rob a convenience store. One person enters the store to commit the robbery, while the other waits outside in a car, ready to drive them away immediately after the crime. The person driving the car, knowing full well that a robbery is taking place and intending to help the robber escape, is an abettor. They are actively aiding and assisting in the commission of the crime by providing the means of escape, even though they did not physically enter the store or take any money.

• Example 2: Instigating Vandalism

  Consider a situation where a group of friends is walking past a public building. One friend, "Alex," dares another friend, "Ben," to spray paint graffiti on the wall, even handing Ben a can of spray paint and saying, "Go on, no one's looking!" If Ben then proceeds to deface the wall, Alex would be considered an abettor. Alex actively encouraged and facilitated the act of vandalism by providing the tool and the direct encouragement, even though Ben was the one who physically applied the paint.

• Example 3: Providing Tools for Burglary

  Suppose "Clara" knows that "David" intends to break into a vacant house to steal copper piping. Clara, aware of David's plan, lends him a specific set of tools, including a crowbar and a pipe cutter, knowing these tools will be used to commit the burglary. In this case, Clara is an abettor. By knowingly providing the necessary instruments for the crime, she is assisting David in its commission, even if she is not present at the scene of the burglary itself.