How does the Penal Code define theft?

The definition of theft according to the Penal Code specifically addresses the act of unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This definition emphasizes the legality of both the act and the intent behind it.

The crucial components here are "unlawfully taking" and the intent to "permanently deprive" the owner of their property. This means that for an action to be classified as theft, there must be a clear intention to steal, rather than merely borrowing or using the property temporarily. The focus is on the concept that the rightful owner is deprived of their property against their will, which distinguishes theft from other types of property-related offenses or misunderstandings about property use.

The other choices do not capture the complete and precise definition of theft as outlined in the Penal Code. For instance, merely "illegally borrowing" or "taking with intent to return" suggests temporary possession, which does not align with the permanent deprivation aspect of theft. Taking property under duress may involve coercion but does not fit the traditional definition of theft, which centers around unlawful acquisition rather than the circumstances under which property is taken.