What are the elements to the crime of Theft

The offence of Theft is defined in s1 of the Theft Act 1968 as a 'dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intent to permanently deprive the other of it'. The Mens Rea of Theft is 1) dishonesty and 2) an intention to permanently deprive the other of it. The Actus Reus of Theft is 1) appropriation 2) of property 3) belonging to another. All elements of the offence need to be made out in order for the offence to be found. Appropriation is defined by Lord Roskill in R v Morris as an 'assumption of any of the rights of the owner', this means that appropriation can take place when the defendant has assumed a single right, it need not be all rights of the owner.

PS
Answered by Polly S. Law tutor

41540 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the meaning of actus reus and mens rea?


From least to most influential, rank the hierarchy of different sources of law in the United Kingdom


Is the 'but for' test for causation in the law of tort the only appropriate or applicable test?


How would you approach a problem question on murder?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning