FOCL Practice Test

Which offense did Jake commit when he stole a book and injured Walter while escaping?

1. Theft

2. Robbery

3. Burglary

4. Assault

The correct answer is: Robbery

The classification of Jake's actions as robbery is accurate because robbery involves the use of force or intimidation during the act of stealing. In this scenario, Jake not only stole a book but also injured Walter while escaping, indicating that he employed force in the commission of the theft. This aligns with the legal definition of robbery, which is the unlawful taking of property from a person or immediate presence through force or intimidation. The other offenses do not capture the complete nature of Jake's actions. Theft typically refers to the unlawful taking of property without the use of force or intimidation, which does not apply here due to the injury caused. Burglary involves illegally entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime, but it does not necessarily involve the direct confrontation or injury of a person. Assault focuses specifically on causing harm or the threat of harm to another person but does not entail theft as part of the action. Thus, the incident described fits the definition of robbery due to the combination of theft and the use of force.