What is the legal definition of theft under the Penal Code?

The legal definition of theft under the Penal Code is focused on the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. This definition highlights two critical elements: the act of taking (which must be unlawful) and the intention behind that act (which must include the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property).

The distinction of "intention to permanently deprive" is essential as it sets theft apart from other actions involving property. For example, if someone takes property with no intent to keep it or to take it permanently, it might not qualify as theft under the law, as the action lacks that specific intent.

Other options may describe actions that involve taking property but do not capture the essential elements of theft as defined legally. For instance, taking property without payment could be considered shoplifting, but it doesn't explicitly reference the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Unlawful taking with an intent to return it suggests no criminal intent, which is contrary to the concept of theft. Lastly, taking property without the owner’s knowledge does not account for the intent to permanently deprive, just as it doesn't specify that the taking is unlawful in all circumstances as required by the legal definition of theft. Thus,