principal in the first degree | Definition

A principal in the first degree is a person who directly commits a crime and is therefore held fully responsible for its commission.

In criminal law, a principal in the first degree is the individual who actually commits the crime, whether through their own actions or by directing others to commit the crime on their behalf. This individual is considered the primary actor in the commission of the crime and is therefore held fully responsible for its commission.

For example, if a person robs a bank at gunpoint, they would be considered a principal in the first degree, as they are the individual who directly carried out the crime. Similarly, if a person hires a hitman to kill someone, they could be considered a principal in the first degree if they were directly involved in planning or carrying out the murder.

In order to be considered a principal in the first degree, a person must have the necessary intent to commit the crime. This means that they must have had the specific intent to carry out the illegal act and must have taken affirmative steps toward its commission.

In most jurisdictions, principals in the first degree face the harshest penalties for their crimes.