Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

What does larceny refer to in legal terms?

1. The unlawful taking of someone's personal property with the intent to keep it

2. A legal claim against another person's property

3. A contract between a tenant and a landlord

4. A temporary right to use someone's land

The correct answer is: The unlawful taking of someone's personal property with the intent to keep it

Larceny, in legal terms, refers to the unlawful taking of someone's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. This definition encompasses the key elements of larceny: the act of taking (which must be without the owner's consent) and the intent to keep the property away from the owner permanently. This is distinct from other concepts such as a legal claim against property, which pertains to rights associated with ownership or debt but does not involve the unlawful taking of property. Similarly, a contract between a tenant and a landlord pertains to rental agreements and does not involve theft or unlawful taking of property. A temporary right to use someone's land refers to easements or licenses, which are legal permissions rather than acts of theft. Thus, the correct understanding of larceny revolves specifically around the unauthorized taking of personal property with the intent to retain it, which is precisely what the correct choice articulates.