Which term describes breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft?

Which term describes breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft?

• A. Robbery
• B. Trespass
• C. Burglary
• D. Larceny

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is distinguishing crimes by structure entry and intent. Entering a building without permission with the plan to commit theft fits burglary. Burglary hinges on two elements: unlawful entry into a building or enclosed space, and intent to commit a crime inside (here, theft). The actual theft may or may not occur, but the combination of forbidden entry and the specific intent inside is what makes it burglary. Why the others don’t fit: robbery centers on taking property from someone through force or intimidation, usually directly from the person, not just entering a building. Trespass is simply unlawfully entering property without permission, without necessarily any crime planned inside. Larceny is theft itself—taking someone’s property—without requiring breaking into a structure or having the specific intent to commit a crime inside a building.

The idea being tested is distinguishing crimes by structure entry and intent. Entering a building without permission with the plan to commit theft fits burglary. Burglary hinges on two elements: unlawful entry into a building or enclosed space, and intent to commit a crime inside (here, theft). The actual theft may or may not occur, but the combination of forbidden entry and the specific intent inside is what makes it burglary.

Why the others don’t fit: robbery centers on taking property from someone through force or intimidation, usually directly from the person, not just entering a building. Trespass is simply unlawfully entering property without permission, without necessarily any crime planned inside. Larceny is theft itself—taking someone’s property—without requiring breaking into a structure or having the specific intent to commit a crime inside a building.