Robbery vs Larceny
In the realm of crime, there are two terms often used: robbery and larceny. These crimes may seem similar to those who are unfamiliar with the differences between them. Robbery and larceny are closely related, as there are aspects of larceny involved in every robbery. Some people may remain confused between larceny and robbery due to the definitions being more intended for the legal system rather than for the understanding of the general public. It is essential to be able to differentiate between these two types of criminal activities, as they are frequently discussed.
What does Larceny mean?
A person can commit both robbery and larceny in a single criminal event, making them liable for penalties on both counts and possibly serving prison sentences for both crimes. Generally, people are the victims of robbery, while items such as personal property or services are subject to larceny. Larceny is similar to stealing, as it involves the unlawful taking of someone else’s possession or property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it. In larceny, the owner is unaware of the act and only learns about their lost item later. Larceny is more or less theft, as the criminal has no intention of being noticed and performs the act secretly without anyone’s knowledge. Legally, larceny is a lesser offense included in robbery.
What does Robbery mean?
Robbery also involves stealing something from someone, but it differs in that it is a bold act of forcibly taking items from the owner in their presence through the use or threat of violence. In robbery, the owner of the item is threatened into parting with their possession by the criminal. Therefore, robbery is a more severe offense than larceny, where no violence or threat of violence is involved. During robberies, people can get hurt or even killed when the criminal uses force to steal something from someone’s possession. Robbery is larceny plus the use of force or the threat to use force. Assault or brandishing weapons to forcibly take away possessions from a person is one aspect of the criminal activity that, when added to theft, makes it a robbery.
What is the difference between Robbery and Larceny?
• Both larceny and robbery are similar offenses in that they are used to deprive a person of their possessions with the intention of not returning them.
• While larceny is more like theft, the element of the use of force or threat of the use of force makes a larceny a robbery.
• Larceny is conducted without the knowledge of the victim, whereas robbery is conducted in the presence of the person.
• In larceny, the criminal does not wish to be noticed, whereas in robbery, the criminal threatens or hurts the victim to forcibly take their belongings.
• Larceny is a lesser offense, while robbery is a more serious offense.
• Larceny is a crime often included in robbery, and the culprit may be given sentences or penalties for both crimes simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- Larceny is similar to theft, involving the unlawful taking of someone’s possession or property without their knowledge, while robbery involves forcibly taking items from the owner in their presence through the use or threat of violence.
- Robbery is a more severe offense than larceny, as it involves the use of force or threat of force, while larceny is conducted secretly without the victim’s knowledge.
- A criminal can be charged with both larceny and robbery, leading to penalties and prison sentences for both offenses.
