What is the role of accessories before the fact in a crime?

Accessories before the fact are individuals who assist or encourage the principal offender in planning or executing a crime before it takes place. Their role can include providing resources, encouraging the commission of the crime, or otherwise facilitating the criminal act prior to its occurrence. This involvement is crucial because it indicates a level of premeditated support for the criminal action.

Understanding the role of accessories before the fact can help clarify the distinctions within criminal liability, illustrating how various individuals contribute to a crime in different capacities. In contrast, individuals who aid after the crime, remain bystanders, or report the crime afterward do not fulfill the role defined for accessories before the fact, as their actions do not take place during the planning or execution phase of the crime.