Principal in the first degree

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-003897",
  "term": "Principal in the first degree",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "The person who actually commits the criminal act, whether directly or through an innocent agent or instrument, as distinguished from those who merely assist. At common law the principal in the first degree is the main offender, and one who is present and assists is instead a principal in the second degree. Under modern statutes, accomplices are generally punishable to the same extent as the principal.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/principal-in-the-first-degree/"
}