What constitutes burglary?

Burglary is legally defined as an unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, which is often theft. The correct answer highlights the elements of breaking and entering, which are key components of the crime of burglary. Specifically, it mentions leaving signs of forcible entry, indicating that the entry was not permitted, thereby demonstrating the illegal nature of the act.

This definition aligns with legal standards that require both the act of entering and the intent to commit a crime. The act of breaking and entering reinforces the seriousness of the offense, distinguishing it from other property crimes such as theft when entry is made with permission or without an intention to commit a crime. It emphasizes that burglary is not just the act of stealing but involves the violation of property through unauthorized entry.

Other options present scenarios that may involve theft or robbery, but they do not adequately encompass the legal definition of burglary. For instance, stealing from an open store does not involve unlawful entry and therefore does not meet the criteria for burglary. Similarly, robbing a home during the day suggests a different kind of crime known as robbery, which involves force or intimidation rather than simply unlawful entry with intent. Entering a building with the intent to steal captures part of the definition of burglary but