Legal Definitions - ope et consilio

Term: ope et consilio
Definition: Ope et consilio means "by aid and counsel" in Latin. It is a legal term that is often used to describe someone who helps another person commit a crime. This is similar to the common-law concept of aiding and abetting. The abbreviation for ope et consilio is o.c. and it is sometimes shortened to ope consilio.
Example: John helped his friend rob a store by driving the getaway car. He was charged with robbery ope et consilio because he aided and counseled his friend in committing the crime. This means that he played a role in the crime and helped plan it.