Complicity

Complicity is the state of being involved with others in an illegal or questionable activity. It signifies a shared responsibility or partnership in wrongdoing, even if the individual's role is not the direct perpetrator of the act. The degree of complicity can vary, ranging from active participation to passive knowledge and approval. It often implies a breach of ethical or legal standards, where individuals are held accountable for their contribution to the harmful outcome. Essentially, complicity describes a relationship of entanglement or collaboration in unethical or unlawful deeds, indicating culpability even for secondary or supporting roles. It is a complex concept involving awareness, intent, and action, all contributing to the shared responsibility for the undesired outcome.

Complicity meaning with examples

• The accountant's complicity in the embezzlement scheme was revealed when investigators found evidence of her altering financial records. She didn't steal the money herself, but she facilitated the crime and hid it from external stakeholders. This demonstrated her active involvement and shared culpability in a serious financial crime. Her cooperation directly supported the main perpetrators' actions.
• Witnesses testified that although she didn't physically commit the crime, her verbal encouragement constituted complicity. She had persistently urged the instigator, with her words acting as fuel for the crime. Consequently, the court deemed her words as important to the crime's completion. Therefore, the instigator was held liable, due to the verbal contribution the witness provided.
• The company's complicity in the environmental disaster was evident in its failure to report hazardous waste disposal to the authorities. Even though no one specifically asked anyone not to report it. By allowing the practice to continue for so long, they demonstrated passive acceptance and enabled an ongoing ecological harm, leading to environmental charges and fines. This tacit approval was a breach of the law.
• Despite not being present, the silent investors were found guilty of complicity when their money was proven to fund the terrorist group, who in turn acted against the investors' wishes. This highlights how passive involvement can be complicity in unethical practices. While they claimed ignorance, the connection between their finances and the illegal activities was direct and proved their involvement.
• The security guard's complicity became apparent when video footage showed him opening the back gate, allowing the thieves access. Despite no theft, he was charged due to his actions aiding in the access for criminal activity to be performed. Although he didn't steal anything himself, his actions helped the crime, and he was brought to justice and subsequently lost his job.