Theft and Robbery Flashcards
In what section of what act is theft defined?
S1(1) of the Theft Act 1968
What is the definition of theft?
‘Dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive the other of it’
What section defines appropriation?
S3
What is the definition of appropriation?
Any assumption by a person of the rights of another
What is the leading case for appropriation?
R v Morris
What is the legal principle from R v Morris?
It is enough to prove that D has assumed one right of the owner
What is the legal principle from Lawrence v MPC?
Even if V consents, there can still be an appropriation
What is the legal principle from R v Hinks?
Acceptance of a valid gift may sometimes amount to an appropriation (If D knows they are taking advantage of V)
Why did the defendants actions amount to an appropriation in R v Pitham v Hehl?
Because they had assumed the rights of the owner to sell the furniture
What does S3(1) of TA say?
An appropriation also includes where D initially comes across property innocently but later assumes a right by keeping it
What section defines ‘property’?
S4
What does S4(1) state that property includes?
Money, Real property, Personal Property, Things in action, Other intangible property
What section of TA discusses real property?
S4(2)
In general, can land be stolen?
No
In what 3 ways can real property be stolen?
Severing part of the land from the land, A tenant taking a fixture or fitting from the land let to him, Someone legally entrusted to look after the land abuses his power
What does S4(3) of TA discuss?
Wild plants, flowers, mushrooms etc
Are wild plants considered property?
No
Under what exception are wild plants, flowers and mushrooms considered property?
If they are picked for sale, reward or other commercial purpose
What does S4(4) of TA discuss?
Wild creatures
Are wild creatures property which can be stolen?
No
Under what exception can a wild creature be stolen?
If they have been tamed, are ordinarily kept in captivity or have been reduced into someone’s possession
What case states that corpses do not generally amount to property?
Kelly v Lindsay
In what instance can a corpse be stolen?
If they have been altered for medical examination, art or educational purposes
Do bodily fluids amount to property?
Yes
Which case outlines bodily fluid amounting to property?
R v Welsh
Which case states that information and knowledge cannot be stolen?
Oxford v Moss
In which case was D convicted of theft for stealing the physical exam papers?
R v Akbar
Which section of TA outlines ‘belonging to another’?
S5(1)
What is ‘belonging to another’ defined as?
Where a person has possession or control of property or a proprietary right/interest (e.g. Ownership), the property belongs to them
What is the key case for ‘belonging to another’?
R v Turner
What is the legal principle which came out of R v Turner?
Even the legal owner of property is capable of stealing his own property if it’s in the possession or control of someone else
What are the brief case facts of Ricketts v Basildon Magistrates?
D had taken donated clothes from Oxfam clothes banks and from BHF doorstep claiming that they belonged to no one