Which party is responsible for a crime committed by another person according to criminal law?

In criminal law, liability for a crime can extend beyond just the individual who physically commits the act. Anyone involved in the commission of the crime can be held responsible, depending on their role and participation in it. This includes individuals who may have aided, abetted, or conspired to commit the crime, even if they did not directly carry out the criminal act themselves.

For instance, if a person provides assistance, such as planning, encouraging, or facilitating the crime in any way, they can be charged as an accomplice. The law recognizes that crime often involves multiple participants, and each can bear legal responsibility for the actions taken. This principle serves to deter collaboration in criminal activities and underscores that even indirect involvement can lead to serious legal consequences.

In contrast, the other choices either limit liability to just the principal offender or erroneously suggest a lack of accountability among participants, which does not align with the fundamental principles of criminal responsibility. Therefore, understanding this broad scope of responsibility is crucial for the effective enforcement of the law and the pursuit of justice.