PETTY LARCENY Meaning and
Definition
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Petty larceny, also known as petit larceny, is a legal term used to define a type of theft offense that involves the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else's personal property. Specifically, petty larceny refers to the theft of property with a relatively low value.
In most jurisdictions, petty larceny is categorized as a misdemeanor offense that is less serious than grand larceny or other major theft crimes. The threshold value for determining whether a theft constitutes petty larceny varies by jurisdiction, but it is generally characterized by stolen property that is below a certain monetary limit. For instance, in some states, the value of stolen property must be less than a certain dollar amount (e.g., $500) to be classified as petty larceny.
The punishment for petty larceny usually includes a combination of fines, probation, and/or a limited period of incarceration, typically in a local or county jail rather than a state prison. However, punishments can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the crime, prior criminal record, or the laws of the jurisdiction in which the offense was committed.
It's important to note that the term "petty" in petty larceny does not diminish the seriousness of the offense. While the stolen property might have a relatively low value, the act of stealing and infringing upon someone else's rights to their possessions is a violation of the law and considered a criminal offense.
Common Misspellings for PETTY LARCENY
- oetty larceny
- letty larceny
- -etty larceny
- 0etty larceny
- pwtty larceny
- pstty larceny
- pdtty larceny
- prtty larceny
- p4tty larceny
- p3tty larceny
- perty larceny
- pefty larceny
- pegty larceny
- peyty larceny
- pe6ty larceny
- pe5ty larceny
- petry larceny
- petfy larceny
- petgy larceny
Etymology of PETTY LARCENY
The term "petty larceny" originates from Middle English and has its roots in Old French and Latin.
The word "petty" comes from the Old French word "petit" meaning "small". It was borrowed into Middle English and has retained its meaning of something insignificant or of little importance.
The word "larceny" comes from the Latin word "latrocinium", which means "robbery or theft". It was borrowed into Old French as "larrecin" and later adopted into Middle English as "larcenie".
When combined, "petty larceny" refers to a lesser form of theft or the act of stealing something of relatively small value.
