Legal Definitions - inciter

An inciter is an individual who actively encourages, persuades, or provokes another person to commit a criminal act. This person doesn't necessarily commit the crime themselves, but their actions are instrumental in motivating someone else to do so. The inciter's role is to instigate or stir up the commission of an offense by another.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Encouraging Theft

  Imagine a situation where Liam is with his friend, Chloe, outside a department store. Liam knows Chloe has been wanting a particular expensive jacket but can't afford it. Liam says to Chloe, "Just go in and slip it into your bag. No one will ever notice, and you really deserve it after all your hard work." Chloe, influenced by Liam's encouragement, then enters the store and steals the jacket.

  Explanation: Liam is the inciter because he directly encouraged and persuaded Chloe to commit the crime of theft. His words were designed to motivate her to act, even though he didn't physically take the jacket himself.

• Example 2: Online Incitement to Vandalism

  During a heated online debate about a controversial new city ordinance, a user named "TruthSeeker" posts a message in a public forum stating, "This ordinance is an outrage! Someone needs to send a clear message to the city council. Go spray paint the council building tonight – make them listen!" Later that evening, several individuals who read "TruthSeeker's" post vandalize the city council building with graffiti.

  Explanation: "TruthSeeker" acts as an inciter by publicly and explicitly encouraging others to commit the crime of vandalism. Their post directly prompted and motivated the subsequent criminal acts, even though "TruthSeeker" was not physically present at the scene.

• Example 3: Provoking an Assault

  Sarah and Jessica are discussing a mutual acquaintance, Mark, whom they both dislike. Sarah, feeling particularly angry, turns to Jessica and says, "Mark is always so arrogant. Someone needs to knock him down a peg. You should really punch him next time you see him; he totally deserves it!" Jessica, fueled by Sarah's words, later confronts Mark and physically assaults him.

  Explanation: Sarah is the inciter because she specifically encouraged and provoked Jessica to commit the crime of assault against Mark. Her words directly influenced Jessica's decision and action to commit the violent act.