In R v. Giannetto, what constitutes active encouragement of a crime?

In the context of R v. Giannetto, active encouragement of a crime is characterized by behaviors that support, endorse, or provoke criminal activity. Expressing approval of a proposed act clearly exemplifies this active encouragement, as it conveys both a positive reinforcement and an implicit invitation to commit the crime.

This approval indicates a level of complicity and can play a crucial role in establishing accountability, as it suggests an individual not only acknowledges the act but also is in favor of its execution. Such behavior can influence the decision of another person to proceed with the criminal behavior, thereby fulfilling the criteria for being considered an encourager in a legal sense.

In contrast, behaviors like patting someone on the back or providing financial support, while they may seem supportive, do not directly express an endorsement of a crime and can be interpreted in a more ambiguous context regarding intent. Staying silent while observing does not actively promote the crime, and would be considered passive rather than active encouragement. Therefore, expressing approval stands out as the definitive action associated with active encouragement in this scenario.