petit larceny
Definition
Noun: - A minor theft: The crime of stealing property whose value is below a specific monetary threshold set by law. This is a less serious category of larceny (theft).
Usage
This term is used in legal contexts to classify and describe an act of theft. The specific monetary value that distinguishes "petit larceny" from "grand larceny" varies by jurisdiction.
Examples
- The shoplifter was charged with petit larceny for stealing a candy bar and a magazine.
- In many states, stealing items valued under $500 is considered petit larceny.
- The court dismissed the case because the alleged theft did not meet the value required for petit larceny.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Distinction: The primary function of the term is to make a legal distinction. For example, "The defendant was originally charged with grand larceny, but the charge was reduced to petit larceny after the appraised value of the jewelry was found to be lower."
- Historical Context: In older common law, the distinction was often based on the type of property taken (e.g., goods vs. livestock), but modern statutes almost exclusively use a monetary threshold.
Variants and Related Words
- Petty larceny (noun): A common synonym for "petit larceny." The terms are often used interchangeably in legal and everyday language.
- He was convicted of petty larceny.
- Grand larceny (noun): The more serious category of theft involving property above the monetary threshold.
- Stealing the car was classified as grand larceny.
- Larceny (noun): The broader, formal legal term for the unlawful taking of personal property.
- Larceny is a crime in all 50 states.
Synonyms
- Petty theft
- Minor theft
- Petty larceny
Antonyms
- Grand larceny
- Felony theft
Noun
-
larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale)
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