How is 'shoplifting' legally defined?

'Shoplifting' is legally defined as the act of stealing goods from a retail establishment. This definition focuses on the specific context in which the theft occurs, distinguishing shoplifting from other forms of theft that may involve different settings or methods. In this case, the act of taking items without payment from a store is what characterizes shoplifting.

In contrast to the other choices, stealing from a private residence refers to burglary or residential theft, which involves unlawfully entering someone’s home with the intention of committing theft. Returning stolen goods to a store does not involve theft in the first place; it indicates an action aimed at rectifying the theft, but does not define the crime. Lastly, describing shoplifting as a legitimate business practice is entirely contradictory to its definition, as it is inherently an illegal act. Therefore, the legal definition of shoplifting specifically highlights theft from retail establishments, ensuring clarity in its application in legal contexts.