FOCL Practice Test

What crime has Amanda committed by concealing a blouse while shopping?

1. Burglary

2. Theft

3. Fraud

4. Embezzlement

The correct answer is: Theft

The crime that Amanda has committed by concealing a blouse while shopping is theft. This action reflects the intent to deprive the store of their property without the intention to pay for it. In legal terms, theft is defined as taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive them of it. When a person conceals an item in a store, it demonstrates an intent to steal that item, as the act of hiding indicates a plan to leave without completing a transaction. This is a common type of shoplifting, which is a form of theft specifically related to retail environments. Understanding this definition is crucial, as it distinguishes theft from other crimes such as burglary, which involves unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, or fraud, which typically involves deception for financial gain. Embezzlement, on the other hand, refers to the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to someone's care. In Amanda's case, the concealment of the blouse directly aligns with the actions associated with theft.