Pinkerton Rule | Definition

The Pinkerton Rule holds co-conspirators accountable for the criminal acts committed by their fellow conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy.

The Pinkerton Rule, named after the United States Supreme Court case United States v. Pinkerton, is a legal principle in criminal law that holds co-conspirators responsible for the criminal acts committed by their fellow conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, even if the individual defendant did not directly participate in the specific act. The Pinkerton Rule is based on the theory that co-conspirators are jointly responsible for the success of the conspiracy and are, therefore, accountable for any acts committed by their fellow conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy.