Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

In the context of law enforcement, which term describes the unlawful breaking and entering of a building with intent to commit a crime?

1. Burglary

2. Theft

3. Robbery

4. Home Invasion

The correct answer is: Burglary

The term that describes the unlawful breaking and entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime is indeed burglary. Burglary typically involves trespassing into a structure with the intention to commit an illegal act, which is why it is categorized under property crimes. The key elements of burglary include the unlawful entry and the intent to commit an offense while inside. In contrast, other terms you might consider relate to distinct criminal actions. Theft generally refers to the act of taking someone else's property without permission, but does not necessarily involve breaking and entering. Robbery involves taking property from a person through force or threat, which adds an element of violence that is not inherent in burglary. Home invasion usually refers to entering a home with the intent to commit a crime while the occupants are present, highlighting the risk to individuals, but is used more informally and often can overlap with burglary depending on jurisdiction and specifics. Understanding the precise definitions of these terms helps clarify their meanings in the context of law enforcement and legal proceedings.