Who is referred to as an "accessory before the fact"?

An "accessory before the fact" refers to someone who assists in the planning or preparation of a crime but is not physically present during the commission of the crime itself. This term encompasses individuals who provide support, encouragement, or resources to the principal offender beforehand, facilitating the crime's execution.

For instance, if someone helps plan a robbery by providing information about security measures or supplying the tools needed for the crime, they would be considered an accessory before the fact. Their involvement is significant because they contribute to the crime's orchestration, even if they do not engage in the act of committing the crime themselves.

The other options do not align with the definition of an accessory before the fact. A person who commits a crime alone is the principal offender, while someone who testifies against someone in court is typically a witness or informant rather than an accessory. Additionally, a person who successfully evades law enforcement is often described as a fugitive, which does not relate to the involvement in planning or facilitating a crime.