According to criminal definitions, who would be considered as an accessory?

An accessory is defined as a person who assists or contributes to the commission of a crime but is not the principal offender, meaning they did not directly carry out the criminal act. This assistance may take various forms, such as providing support, aiding in the planning, or helping the main offender evade arrest after the crime has been committed. The key characteristic of an accessory is their involvement in the crime without being the one who actively executes the criminal behavior.

In contrast, a passive observer of the crime does not contribute or assist in any way, and thus, cannot be classified as an accessory. Law enforcement officers, while they may play a role in criminal cases, are not considered accessories because they are tasked with enforcing the law rather than breaking it. Additionally, a person negotiating a plea deal is engaged in legal proceedings, often as a defendant seeking reduced consequences, rather than participating in the crime itself.

Therefore, the definition of an accessory focuses on the role of a person who actively helps or facilitates criminal activity, making the identification of this role crucial in criminal law.