accessory during the fact

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Word: Accessory During the Fact

Definition: An "accessory during the fact" is a legal term that refers to a person who is present during the commission of a crime and helps or encourages the crime in some way but is not the main person committing the crime. This person does not directly carry out the illegal act but is still involved in it.

Usage Instructions:

• Use this term in legal discussions or when talking about crime and justice.
• It’s often used in contexts involving law enforcement, court cases, or crime novels.

Example:

• "In the robbery, John was the one who actually took the money, but Sarah was considered an accessory during the fact because she drove the getaway car and knew about the plan."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal contexts, being labeled as an "accessory during the fact" can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges and penalties, even if the person did not commit the crime themselves.

Word Variants:

• Accessory Before the Fact: A person who helps plan the crime but is not present when the crime occurs.
• Accessory After the Fact: A person who helps someone after the crime has been committed, such as hiding them or helping them escape.

Different Meanings:

The term has a specific legal meaning, but "accessory" on its own can also refer to something that is added to something else to make it more useful or attractive, such as a piece of jewelry or a car accessory.

Synonyms:

• Accomplice
• Co-conspirator
• Collaborator

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "accessory during the fact." However, you might hear phrases like "in cahoots with" to describe someone who is secretly involved with another in committing a crime.

Summary:

An "accessory during the fact" is someone who is involved in a crime as a helper or supporter while it is happening.

Academic

Noun

1. a person who witnesses a crime but does not try to prevent it