What term is used to refer to a person involved in a crime who does not directly participate in it but assists in some way?

The term used to describe a person involved in a crime who does not directly participate but assists in some manner is "accessory." An accessory typically helps the principal offender or accomplice either before, during, or after the commission of the crime. This assistance can include providing information, tools, or support that enables the crime to take place or helps the offender evade capture or prosecution afterward.

In criminal law, being an accessory can carry different levels of culpability, but generally, this role illustrates the idea that not all participants are directly involved in committing the criminal act itself. For example, an accessory might help facilitate a crime by enabling logistic support or aiding in planning without being physically present when the crime occurs.

Other terms, such as "principal" and "accomplice," refer to individuals who are more directly involved in the commission of the crime, with principals being those who commit the act, while accomplices are those who actively assist in committing the offense. A "conspirator" refers to someone who is part of a conspiracy to commit a crime, which involves an agreement between two or more people to engage in unlawful activity. This distinction highlights the different roles participants can have in criminal activities.