What is the main difference between a principal and a perpetrator in a crime?

The main difference between a principal and a perpetrator in a crime is that the principal is the individual primarily responsible for committing the crime, while the perpetrator refers to anyone who engages in or assists in the criminal act. In legal terms, the principal is usually the person who directly executes the criminal actions. In contrast, a perpetrator can be involved in varying degrees, which may include direct involvement or facilitating the crime in some way.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in the context of criminal law, as it influences how individuals are charged and prosecuted. The terminology clearly delineates the roles individuals may play in a criminal act, reinforcing the notion that the principal bears the primary legal responsibility. This classification allows for a structured approach to adjudicating different levels of involvement in criminal offenses.