Hawaii Insurance License Practice Exam

How is burglary defined in legal terms?

1. Unauthorized access to a vehicle

2. Unlawful entry into a structure for theft

3. A robbery in a public place

4. Theft from a store

The correct answer is: Unlawful entry into a structure for theft

Burglary, in legal terms, is appropriately defined as unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit theft. This definition captures the essential elements of burglary: the act of entering a property without permission and the purpose of committing an illegal act, typically theft. The focus here is on the unauthorized entry into a building or dwelling—this could be either a residential or commercial property—in contrast to other forms of theft or robbery. The distinction lies in the fact that burglary does not require the act of stealing to be successfully completed; it is sufficient that the individual entered the premises with the intent to commit theft. This intent sets it apart from other criminal offenses like robbery, where theft must occur through force or intimidation in a public setting. In summary, the definition encapsulated in the correct answer underscores the significance of both the unlawful entry and the intent to commit an offense within the confines of a structure, which distinguishes it from other similar crimes such as theft from a store or robbery in public places.