What are the elements of theft?

• A. Receiving stolen property only.
• B. Trespass on another's property.
• C. Taking property with consent, with intent to temporarily deprive.
• D. Taking someone else’s property without consent, with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and without lawful justification.

Answer: (D)

The elements of theft require taking property that belongs to another, without the owner’s permission, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and without any lawful justification. This combination distinguishes theft from other crimes like simply receiving stolen property (which involves possessing already-taken goods, not the act of taking) or trespass (which centers on entry or occupancy, not depriving the owner of property). It also excludes scenarios where there is consent or where the taking is only temporary, because consent removes the “without consent” element and a temporary deprivation undermines the “permanently deprive” intent.