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accessory :: legal definition


Accessory - n. a second-string player who helps in the commission of a crime by driving the getaway car, providing the weapons, assisting in the planning, providing an alibi, or hiding the principal offender after the crime. Usually the accessory is not immediately present during the crime, but must be aware that the crime is going to be committed or has been committed. Usually an accessory's punishment is less than that of the main perpetrator, but a tough jury or judge may find the accessory just as responsible.

See also: aid and abet and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

accomplice :: n. someone who assists in the commission of a crim ... cipal criminal. See also: accessory
court :: n. 1) the judge, as in "The court rules in favor o ... cost and wait of full court trials.
insanity :: n. mental illness of such a severe nature that a p ... M'Naughten rule temporary insanity
legal aid society :: n. an organization formed to assist persons who ha ... bar association. See also: pro bono
principal :: n. 1) main person in a business. 2) employer, the ... ry agency agent respondeat superior

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a fortiori :: (ah-for-she-ory) prep. Latin for "with even strong ... rother Cain certainly is too young.
a priori assumption :: (ah-pree-ory) n. from Latin, an assumption that is ... when the reality is not so certain.
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abandonment :: n. the act of intentionally and permanently giving ... : abandon abandoned property patent
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able-bodied :: adj. physically capable of working at a job or in ... of paying alimony or child support.
abortion :: n. the termination of pregnancy by various means, ... ed abortion continue in the future.
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abstract :: n. in general, a summary of a record or document, ... tract of judgment abstract of title
abstract of judgment :: n. a written summary of a judgment which states ho ... aying the debt. See also: levy lien