Principal Offender
/ˈprɪnsəpəl əˈfɛn.dər/
Definitions
- (n.) The primary person who actually commits a criminal offense, directly responsible for the crime.
The court convicted the principal offender for the armed robbery.
Forms
- principal offenders
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In criminal law, distinguishing the principal offender clarifies the primary actor contrasted with accessories or accomplices.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.