What does aiding and abetting require according to MCL 767.39?

Aiding and abetting, as outlined in MCL 767.39, fundamentally requires that a crime was committed. This statute establishes that in order to be found guilty of aiding and abetting, there must be a principal offender who has actually engaged in the commission of a crime. The role of the person accused of aiding and abetting is to assist, support, or facilitate the commission of that crime. Therefore, the existence of an underlying crime is essential for liability under this legal concept. The law emphasizes that mere presence at the scene of a crime, intent to flee, or participating in planning does not, on their own, constitute aiding and abetting unless there is a crime that has occurred.