aid and abet legal definition

To order, encourage, facilitate, or to actively, knowingly, intentionally, or purposefully assist, or otherwise promote or attempt to promote the commission of a crime or a tort. Affirmative conduct is regarded; aiding and abetting cannot be established by omission or negative acquiescence. The person who aids and abets is usually just as liable, and subject to the same measurement of damages and penalties, as the person who commits the crime or the tort. See also accessory, accomplice and conspiracy.