Under 18 U.S.C. 2(b), liability arises when a person willfully does what?

Under 18 U.S.C. 2(b), liability arises when a person willfully does what?

• A. Causes their own crime to occur
• B. Provides only financial support
• C. Willfully causes another to commit a federal crime
• D. Is merely present at the scene

Answer: (C)

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), liability arises when a person intentionally causes another person to commit a federal crime. The key is that the action is not the person committing the crime themselves, but actively inducing, aiding, abetting, counsel­ing, commanding, inducing, or procuring the offense by someone else. The “willfully causes” phrasing means a deliberate act with the purpose of bringing about the crime through another person, rather than passive support or mere presence. For example, if someone arranges, pays for, or otherwise directs another to commit a federal offense, they are liable as a principal. This differs from simply being present at the scene or offering only financial support without the intent to cause the crime, which do not satisfy the willful causation required by this provision.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), liability arises when a person intentionally causes another person to commit a federal crime. The key is that the action is not the person committing the crime themselves, but actively inducing, aiding, abetting, counsel­ing, commanding, inducing, or procuring the offense by someone else. The “willfully causes” phrasing means a deliberate act with the purpose of bringing about the crime through another person, rather than passive support or mere presence. For example, if someone arranges, pays for, or otherwise directs another to commit a federal offense, they are liable as a principal. This differs from simply being present at the scene or offering only financial support without the intent to cause the crime, which do not satisfy the willful causation required by this provision.