Parties Flashcards
1
Q
principal ofender
A
A principal ofender is one who commits the actus reus and has the relevant mens rea at the same time.
2
Q
Co-Principal Offender
A
If two defendants act together for a common purpose in
committing the act, they are both considered to be principal ofenders.
3
Q
Innocent Agent
A
If a defendant asks someone to do something that the defendant knows is an ofence, but the other party is unaware, the defendant can still be guilty of the ofence as a principal ofender. The reason is that the unaware party is efectively
just an instrument for the defendant to commit their crime.
4
Q
ACCESSORIAL LIABILITY
A
- If a defendant **aids, abets, counsels, or procures **another
ofender, they will also be guilty of the principal offence. - The indictment will include “aiding, abetting, counselling, and
procuring” in the wording.