California · Penal Code

PEN §971: The distinction between an accessory before the fact and a principal, and between principals in the first and second degree is abrogated; and all persons concerned in the commission of a crime, who by

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute eliminates legal distinctions between accessories and principals in crime, requiring all participants to be treated and prosecuted equally as principals.

Read the full statutory text

The distinction between an accessory before the fact and a principal, and between principals in the first and second degree is abrogated; and all persons concerned in the commission of a crime, who by the operation of other provisions of this code are principals therein, shall hereafter be prosecuted, tried and punished as principals and no other facts need be alleged in any accusatory pleading against any such person than are required in an accusatory pleading against a principal.

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