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Accomplice Liability: American Jurisprudence Injecting Mens Rea Under False Hopes Of Criminal Deterrence, Andrew J. Sickmann

Andrew J Sickmann

Relatively little scholarly attention has been given to the doctrine of accomplice liability. To the average person this is an obscure doctrine that most do not understand. This article examines early accomplice law before State statutes began to shift towards unjust simplicity. The article will also analyze accomplice liability in relation to intent and the ‘natural and probable consequences’ doctrine, as well as accomplice law and its application in four different states. Finally, this article offers insight into how accomplice liability should be treated pursuant to principles of fairness, judiciousness, and pertinence in today’s society.