MBE Rules · Criminal Law
Accomplice liability
The rule
A person who aids, encourages, or assists the commission of a crime with the intent to facilitate it is an accomplice and liable for the target crime AND for natural-and-probable-consequences crimes (common law). MPC requires purpose to promote or facilitate; rejects natural-and-probable consequences for serious crimes.
In plain English
If you help someone commit a crime, you can be charged for that crime and any other crimes that are likely to happen because of it. Under the Model Penal Code, you must specifically intend to help with the crime.
Worked example
The defendant gives a friend a ride to a store, knowing the friend plans to rob it. During the robbery, the friend assaults a clerk. The defendant can be charged with both the robbery and the assault.
Memory hook
Accomplice: help crime, share time. Aid with intent, liable for target and likely fallout (common law).
The trap
Students think: mere presence at the crime scene is enough. Wrong, because intent to aid is required. The actual test is active participation or encouragement with intent.
How examiners test it
The MBE loves: defendant at crime scene, didn't actively participate. Trap: assuming liability just for presence. Look for evidence of intent and active aid.
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