complicity | Definition

In criminal law, complicity refers to the act of helping or assisting someone else in the commission of a crime.

A person can be found to be complicit in a crime even if they did not directly participate in the commission of the crime but rather aided or abetted the person who did.

For example, if person A and person B conspire to rob a bank, and person C helps them plan the robbery, person C could be charged with complicity. Similarly, if person A actually carries out the robbery and person B acts as a lookout, person B could also be charged with complicity.

In order to be found guilty of complicity, it is usually necessary to show that the person had some knowledge of the crime being planned or committed and that they intended to help or assist in the commission of the crime. The specific legal requirements for proving complicity can vary depending on the jurisdiction.