Accessorial

/ækˌsɛsˈɔriəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to something that is additional or supplementary to something else; in law, relating to someone who helps commit a crime.

Etymology

From Latin accessorius (from accedere 'to approach') + -ial (Latin suffix forming adjectives). The legal meaning developed in medieval English law.

Kelly Says

The term 'accessorial liability' in law means you can be charged even if you didn't commit the crime yourself—just helping someone else do it can make you legally responsible, which created major debates about fairness in the justice system.

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