Accessory During The Fact (Noun)
Meaning
A person who witnesses a crime but does not try to prevent it.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The bystander's inaction during the mugging made them an accessory during the fact, and they could be liable for their role.
- The man who stood by watching as the thieves broke into the store was considered an accessory during the fact by the police.
- As an accessory during the fact, the witness who failed to report the assault was charged with a misdemeanor.
- The court ruled that the person who had witnessed the crime but didn't intervene was an accessory during the fact and ordered them to pay a fine.
- Aiding the perpetrator or being an accessory during the fact could lead to serious consequences, as demonstrated in the recent court case.