Define Aiding and Abetting.

• A. those who observe but do not assist in a crime
• B. those who commit a crime themselves
• C. those who aid, abet, command, encourage, or procure the commission of an offense
• D. those who are testifying against someone

Answer: (C)

Aiding and abetting means actively helping or encouraging someone to commit a crime, or otherwise facilitating its commission. It includes actions like aiding, abetting, commanding, encouraging, or procuring the offense, so a person can be responsible even if they don’t physically commit the act themselves. Being present without helping isn’t enough, and someone who commits the crime is the principal offender rather than an aider or abettor. A witness who testifies against someone isn’t aiding the crime.