Accomplice and confederate both denote a person who is associated with another in the perpetration of a crime, whether that association is limited to the planning stages or is extended to the entire execution of the wrongdoing. Thus, an accomplice or confederate may, but need not necessarily, be present at the scene of the crime.

• The role of the murderer’s accomplice was that of weapon procurer; Although Fredericks planned the theft, it was one of his confederates who actually entered the house and stole the jewels.

An abettor is an accomplice or confederate who is present and who participates in the execution of a crime. A look-out is an abettor in a bank robbery.

Accessory is the legal term for an accomplice who helps a felon without being present at the scene of the crime. If he helps the felon’s preparations, he is an accessory before the fact; if he helps the felon to escape punishment once the crime has been committed, he is an accessory after the fact.

Conspirator and plotter refer to persons who are involved in a secret or underhanded agreement to do some evil act. Conspirators are those who take part in a conspiracy , which is a legal term denoting an intention to violate the law by a group of people acting in concert; in general use, it is applied to major crimes and even more particularly to treason. Plotters are implicated in an activity which has a sinister purpose, but which, even though it is difficult to plan and execute, may be petty in scope.

ANYONYMS: opponent.