Theft Flashcards
Where is theft defined
S.1 of the theft act 1968
Definition of theft
The dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention to permanently depriving the other of it
S2 theft act element
Dishonestly
S3 theft act element
Appropriates
S4 theft act element
Property
S5 theft act element
Belonging to another
S6 theft act element
With intention to permanently deprive the other of it
What does section 3 define appropriation as
Any assumption by a person of the rights of the owner-means d only had to assume one of owners rights
Morris
House of Lords upheld conviction for theft as d had appropriated property as soon as he changed prices of bottles
Assuming one of owners rights- didn’t have to assume all owners rights
When can property be appropriated even if it was acquired innocently- according to s3
If d later keeps it deals with it as if they were the owner
Which case states that there can be an appropriation even if the owner of the property consented to d taking it
GOMEZ
Gomez
House of Lords held that an appropriation can take place even where the owner consents and reinstated the conviction for theft
Which case states that there can be an appropriation even if the owner of the property has made a legal gift to d
Hinks
Hinks
H/L upheld conviction for theft as there was an appropriation
Didn’t matter that in civil law the gift was valid nor that there was no deception on Ds part
When does the appropriation occur according to Gomez
As soon as on or the owners rights is assumed
What does section 4(1) state that property includes
Money and all other property, real or personal, including things in action and other intangible property
What does money mean
Coins and banknotes
What is real property the legal term for
Land and buildings
What two examples are provided under section 4(2) which state that land/buildings can be stolen if this occurs
- d severs something from the land
- d is a tenant and removes something which is considered a fixture/structure of the rented accommodation
When is picking mushrooms, flowers, fruit or foliage growing wild on land theft of property
If it is taken for sale/reward or other commercial purpose s.4(3)
What does personal property cover
All moveable items