coperpetrator

A coperpetrator, also written as co-perpetrator, is a person who participates in the commission of a crime alongside one or more other individuals, sharing the intent and actions required to complete the offense. The term is used in criminology and law to describe someone who directly contributes to the wrongdoing rather than merely assisting after the fact.

In legal contexts, co-perpetrators are typically treated as principals or joint perpetrators when they actively participate in planning, facilitating, or carrying out the crime. This distinguishes them from accessories, who may assist before or after the offense but do not participate in the core act. The concept is closely related to conspiracy, but conspiracy refers to the agreement to commit a crime, whereas a co-perpetrator is someone who takes part in the crime itself.

Liability for co-perpetrators is generally shared. In many jurisdictions, all co-perpetrators can be held responsible for the full spectrum of criminal penalties associated with the offense, and they may also share civil liability for damages resulting from the crime. The exact rules vary by jurisdiction and the specific roles of the individuals involved.

Terminology notes: co-perpetrator is the standard term, with co- or hyphenated spellings common. The single-word form coperpetrator is a less common variant and may appear in some texts or as a typographical variant. The term emphasizes joint action and accountability among those who participate in a criminal act.

See also: accomplice, conspiracy, complicity, joint enterprise, principal.