Parties

Question 1

principal offender

Answer 1

A principal offender is one who commits the actus reus and has the relevant mens rea at the same time.

Question 2

Co-Principal Offender

Answer 2

If two defendants act together for a common purpose in
committing the act, they are both considered to be principal ofenders.

Question 3

Innocent Agent

Answer 3

If a defendant asks someone to do something that the defendant knows is an offence, but the other party is unaware, the defendant can still be guilty of the offence as a principal ofender. The reason is that the unaware party is effectively
just an instrument for the defendant to commit their crime.

Question 4

4

ACCESSORIAL LIABILITY

Answer 4

1. If a defendant **aids, abets, counsels, or procures **another offender, they will also be guilty of the principal offence.
2. The indictment will include “aiding, abetting, counselling, and procuring” in the wording.