Criminal Law
Accomplice Liability
Definition
Accomplice liability holds a person criminally responsible for another's crime when they intentionally assist, encourage, or facilitate its commission. Under both common law and the Model Penal Code, the accomplice must act with the purpose of promoting or facilitating the offense. An accomplice is liable for the principal's crime as well as any other crimes that are the natural and probable consequences of the intended crime (in jurisdictions following that doctrine). Mere presence at the scene, without more, is insufficient.
Example
A getaway driver waits outside a bank knowing their companion intends to commit robbery. The driver is an accomplice liable for the robbery.