What constitutes a party to an offense?

A party to an offense refers to an individual who is involved in the commission of a crime, either directly or indirectly. This includes not only those who physically take part in the criminal act, but also those who may aid, abet, or encourage the crime in any way. The law recognizes that multiple individuals can be culpable for an offense, and their involvement can range from active participation to facilitating the crime through support or planning.

In this context, the focus is on the individual's connection to the unlawful act itself, which is pivotal in determining legal accountability for the crime. This distinguishes them clearly from individuals who acted alone, had no connection to the crime, or were mere witnesses, as those roles do not imply involvement in the commission of an offense.