In legal terms, who qualifies as an aider and abettor?

An aider and abettor is defined as an individual who assists another person (the principal) in the commission of a crime. This assistance can manifest in various ways, such as providing resources, information, or active participation during the criminal act. Therefore, the answer that identifies someone who assists the principal during the crime accurately captures the essence of what being an aider and abettor involves.

The legal distinction emphasizes that mere presence at the scene of a crime, as in the case of a witness, does not equate to aiding or abetting, as witnessing alone does not imply participation or facilitation. Similarly, planning a crime with intent falls into a different category, which may involve conspiracy rather than direct assistance during the commission of the crime. Reporting a crime, on the other hand, is an act that does not involve participation in the crime itself and does not fulfill the criteria for being considered an aider and abettor. Thus, the selected answer is aligned with the legal definition and function of an aider and abettor in criminal law.