At early common law, parties to crime were divided into four categories. Aprincipal in the first degree actually committed the crime. Aprincipal in the second degree was present at the scene of the crime and assisted in its commission. An accessory before the fact was not present at the scene of the crime, but helped prepare for its commission. An accessory after the fact helped a party to the crime after its commission by providing comfort, aid, and assistance in escaping or avoiding arrest and prosecution or conviction.
In modern times, most states and the federal government divide parties to crime into two categories: principals 1 and their accomplices, and accessories. 2 The criminal actor is referred to as the principal, although all accomplices have equal criminal responsibility as is discussed in Parties to Crime.
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