Current Events > Are you legally obligated to report a crime?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I've wondered this for a while. Assuming you're not a mandated reporter like teachers and social workers.

Idk, ask the last episode of Seinfeld

_Rinku_ posted...

I've wondered this for a while. Assuming you're not a mandated reporter like teachers and social workers.

Depends on the Country -- the term is called "Misprision of felony"

"Misprision of felony" is a crime that occurs when someone knows a felony has been committed but fails to inform the authorities about it. The crime originated in English common law and required that citizens report crimes or face criminal prosecution. (Common law is law originating from custom and court decisions rather than statutes.)

Due to the harshness of imprisoning people merely for failing to report a crime, most states chose not to include misprision of felony in their criminal laws. Instead, conduct that would fit the misprision definition is covered by other laws, such as those dealing with accomplice liability."

-- https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/misprision-felony.htm

England has abolished this (It's no longer a crime to not report a crime), and I believe America holds that this law only applies to concealment of a known felony rather than simple failure to report it, but it varies from country to country.

I don't think you are. For example, as a person that works at a public school by law I HAVE to report child abuse. The reason is because the everyday person isn't forced to by law

Oh, you did mention us. Never mind

No

No, though there are various accessory charges depending on how and when you learned about the crime, and the actions you take afterwards.

For instance, if you see someone walk up to someone else, pull out a gun, shoot them, and then run away, you are not required to report it.

If your friend bangs on your door, tells you he shot someone, and then washes the blood off of himself in your bathroom, that's accessory after the fact, as you're assisting them in hiding the crime. The same goes if they tell you the cops are after them, that's aiding and abetting a fugitive.

As always, check your local laws. Some jurisdictions have extremely specific definitions of being an accessory, and some have very broad and ill defined definitions.

omega cookie posted...

If your friend bangs on your door, tells you he shot someone, and then washes the blood off of himself in your bathroom, that's accessory after the fact, as you're assisting them in hiding the crime. The same goes if they tell you the cops are after them, that's aiding and abetting a fugitive

What if they tell you they just need help, dont give you details on why they are covered in blood and tell you not to ask any further questions?