But the common law has been modified by statutes in some of the states. In Illinois for instance, "an accessory is one who stands by, and aids, abets or assists or who not being present, aiding, abetting or assisting, hath advised, encouraged, aided or abetted, the perpetration, of the crime." 47

"Every person not standing in the relation of husband or wife, parent or child, brother or sister, to the offender, who knows the fact that a crime has been committed and conceals it from the magistrate, or who harbors, conceals, maintains, or assists any principal felon, or any accessory before the fact, knowing him to be such, shall be deemed an accessory after the fact."48

44 Van Meter vs. People, 60 111., 168. 45Hughes Cr. Law, Sec. 2474. 46 Hughes Cr. Law, Sec. 2479.

47 111. Stat., Chap. 88, Sec. 2 of Div.

2. 48 111. Stat., Chap 38, Sec. 4 of Div. 2.

In some of the states the distinction between principal and accessories before the fact have been abolished by statutes and the latter offenders regarded as principals, and indicted and tried accordingly.40