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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Principal in the first degree
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A quick definition of Principal in the first degree:
Term: Principal in the first degree
Definition: A principal in the first degree is someone who does something that is against the law. They are the person who committed the crime.
A more thorough explanation:
Principal in the first degree
A principal in the first degree is a person who commits a crime.
John robbed a bank. He is a principal in the first degree.
Samantha sold drugs to an undercover police officer. She is a principal in the first degree.
A principal in the first degree is the person who actually commits the crime. In the examples given, John robbed a bank and Samantha sold drugs, making them both principals in the first degree. They are the ones who directly committed the illegal act.