For: Robbery (film)

Robbery is the crime of seizing property through violence or intimidation. More precisely, at common law, robbery was defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear. It should be noted, in common with most legal terms, the precise definition of robbery varies between jurisdictions. Robbery is also when there is forced intimidation placed upon the victim/victims.

Common issues in differentiating robbery from simple theft is the degree of force required and when the force is applied. For example, in a purse grab the thief takes a purse off his victim's shoulder. The victim might not have noticed. Whether this is an example of robbery or theft is not clear. What if, in pulling the purse, the victim is pulled to the ground, but still does not have time to offer resistance? Or if the purse strap is cut by the thief with a knife? The answers to these questions will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

The element of force differentiates robbery from embezzlement, larceny, and other types of theft. Piracy (robbery at sea) is a type of robbery. Armed robbery involves the use of a weapon. Aggravated robbery involves the use of a deadly weapon or something that appears to be a deadly weapon. Highway robbery or "Mugging" takes place outside and in a public place such as a sidewalk, street, or parking lot. Carjacking is the act of stealing a car from a victim by force. Criminal slang for robbery includes "blagging" (armed robbery, usually of a bank), and "steaming" (organised robbery on underground train systems).

English law

Under section 8(1) of the Theft Act 1968, robbery is an indictable only offence which occurs if the defendant:

steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.

The elements of the offence are:

Steals

This requires evidence to prove a theft as set out in s.1(1) Theft Act, 1968.

Actual or threatened force against the person

The threat or use of force must take place immediately before or at the time of the theft intentionally or recklessly in order to commit it. Force used after the theft is complete will not turn the theft into a robbery. It may however constitute another criminal offence, such as assault.

Puts or seeks to put anyone in fear

The threat or use of force against the person must be made immediately before or at the time of the theft and in order to commit it. Where a threat of force is used it must amount to a threat of then and there subjecting the victim, or some other person to force.