Class 6: Accomplices/Conspiracy Liability. Flashcards
What is the core of accomplice liability?
Assistance
What are the three ways you typically get assistance for accomplices? Three forms
Physical conduct (aiding)
Encouragement (abbedding)
Ommission
What does “aiding and abetting” mean?
What is it used for?
It helping someone.
For accomplices.
Hypo:
A robs a bank and you stand next them while committing saying yeah fuck the bank
Are you an accomplice? Why?
You are an accomplice. You assisted with encouragement.
True or false: An accomplice is guilty for any offence committed by the principle.
True
xx
xx
What is the actus reus of accomplice liability?
What are some adjectives other then the main one?
Are trivial levels sufficient?
Assistance is the main.
Aid, counselling, commanding, entreating, supporting, encouraging.
Trivial levels of assistance are sufficient.
Is merely being present enough to be an accomplice?
What about if you are a bystander?
No to both. Need AFFIRMATIVE action.
State v. VT:
Facts: 3 boys stayed with a relative. The other boys were active in trying to sell it while VT did not say anything he just went along with it.
Issue: Was VT an accomplice?
1) If they find there was encouragement, then what?
2) What if there were just passive behaviour?
3) Is being present enough?
Holding/Analysis
Crown argues VT encouraged the offence. If so, they are an accomplice.
COA said all they could find on VT was mere passive behaviour, not any type of affirmative encouragement. This would not be enough.
Being present isn’t enough. There must be actions/words of encouragement.
State v Davis:
Facts: Case where the father held the girl’s hand who was getting raped by his son and saying it will be okay.
Issue:
1) Is he a bystander? Why?
2) Is he an accomplice? Why?
3) If he doesn’t say anything, can he still be an accomplice?
Holding/Analysis
No not a bystander.
The court said it was accomplice liability because his presence encouraged the perp.
Although the encouragement here was omission, the court said the accused looked up to his father and this was encouragement.
Hypothetical:
What if a defendant tries to encourage the problem but it is ineffectual? What if it does not work?
Is he an accomplice?
You must actually provide assistance in some way. Even if trivial.
If it made 0 difference, he is not an accomplice.
Willcox v Jefferey: Accomplice Liability (Actus Reus)
Facts: Defendant Wilcox was held responsible as an accomplice for attending a jazz concert in London. The principal crime was the musician’s violation of immigration and employment regulations. Wilcox bought a ticket, smiled, and applauded the principal.
Issue: Is he an accomplice?
Note to future Phil: This case is controversial. The prof said take this decision with a grain of salt as it’s not really applicable but we should still know it.
Holding/Analysis
The court upheld Wilcox’s liability as an accomplice, as he aided and abetted the alien order as he couldn’t work in London.
Ratio: By attending and paying for the ticket, applauding this was encouragement and thus he was an accomplice.
R v. Judge Tally
Facts: Guy blocked a telegram. There is an argument that the blocking may not have helped at all, potentially just a trial level.
Issue:
1) Would a trivial level of assistance count for an accomplice?
Holding/Analysis
Yes. He made the death quicker and easier. This constituted an actus reus for the accomplice.
Even if there is a trivial level of assistance, it does not need to cause the commission of the crime.
What is the general standard for intent for Accomplice liability?
Is it always the case?
Specific intent is needed.
Not all jurisdictions use this.
True or false: Accomplice liability generally requires an intent to aid.
True
In a state that uses the knowledge standard for accomplice liability, what are the two theories they use?
What does the MPC use?
In a knowledge jurisdiction, the two theories are
1) the aider knows his aid will help facilitate the offence or
2) we infer a specific intent from his knowledge.
Most places infer purpose from that knowledge
MPC requires specific intent only.
Natural and Probable Consequences Doctrine for Accomplice. What is the rule?
Does the MPC acknowledge it?
What does the MPC require regarding accomplices?
Bottom line rule: the accomplice is guilty not only of the target crime, but of any other crime committed by the principal that is the natural and probable consequence of the target crime that the accomplice aided.
The MPC does NOT acknowledge it.
They require specific intent.