accessory after the fact

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Explanation of "Accessory After the Fact"

Definition: An "accessory after the fact" is a person who helps someone who has committed a crime. This person knows that the other person has done something illegal (like a robbery or murder) and provides help or comfort to them. For example, they might hide the criminal, give them money, or help them escape.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "accessory after the fact" to describe someone who assists a criminal after the crime has been committed.
• It is a legal term, often used in discussions about law and crime.

Example:

• After the robbery, John became an accessory after the fact when he helped the thief hide from the police.

Advanced Usage:

• In legal contexts, being labeled as an "accessory after the fact" can lead to criminal charges, even if that person did not commit the crime themselves.

Word Variants:

• Accessory: This can refer to someone who helps in a crime, but it can also mean something that adds to the main item, like an accessory in fashion (like a handbag or jewelry).
• Accomplice: A person who helps someone commit a crime before it happens.

Different Meanings:

1. Accessory (in fashion): Items that complete an outfit (like belts, hats, etc.).
2. Accessory (general): Something that is added to something else to make it more useful or attractive.

Synonyms:

• Accomplice (though this usually refers to someone who helps before the crime).
• Co-conspirator (someone involved in planning a crime).
• Assist (to help someone, though this is more general).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "accessory after the fact," but here are some related phrases:
  • Cover up: To hide the truth about something, especially something illegal.
  • Turn a blind eye: To ignore something wrong or illegal that you know about.

Summary:

An "accessory after the fact" is someone who helps a criminal after the crime has taken place. This term is important in legal discussions and highlights the consequences of aiding someone in wrongdoing.

Academic

Noun

1. a person who gives assistance or comfort to someone known to be a felon or known to be sought in connection with the commission of a felony