"Those who consent to the act and those who do it shall be equally punished"
- Edward Coke
About this Quote
This quote by Edward Coke is describing the concept of criminal liability. It suggests that those who are associated with a criminal act, whether they are the ones who really devote the act or those who merely grant it, ought to be held equally responsible and penalized for their involvement. This concept is based upon the concept of accountability, which states that individuals must be delegated their actions and the effects of those actions. This quote is also a suggestion that criminal liability is not restricted to the individual who really commits the act, but extends to those who are complicit in it. This suggests that even if someone does not physically commit a criminal activity, they can still be held liable for their participation. This quote functions as a warning to those who may be tempted to take part in criminal activities, as it emphasizes that they will be held equally responsible for their actions.
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