Robbery

• What is the definition of theft according to the Theft Act 1968?


  Defined in section 1 of the Theft Act 1968
• What type of offence is theft classified as?


  Triable Either Way offence
• What is the maximum imprisonment for theft?


  7 years imprisonment
• What is the definition of robbery according to the Theft Act 1968?


  Defined in section 8 of the Theft Act 1968
• What type of offence is robbery classified as?


  Indictable offence
• What is the maximum imprisonment for robbery?

  Life imprisonment
• How is robbery often described in relation to theft?


  Some have called it ‘aggravated theft’
• What must occur for a person to be guilty of robbery?


  They must steal and use force or threaten force
• What are the elements of robbery as defined in section 8 of the Theft Act 1968?


  A theft, use of force, and intent to steal
• What is the actus reus of robbery?


  Theft and force or fear of force
• What is the mens rea of robbery?


  Mens rea of theft and intention to use force
• What happens if one element of theft is missing in a robbery case?


  There is no robbery
• What was the outcome of R v Robinson (1977)?


  Conviction quashed due to honest belief in entitlement
• What does the case of Corcoran v Anderton (1840) illustrate about robbery?


  Force must be used at the time of theft or immediately before
• What does the case of Hale (1979) demonstrate regarding appropriation?


  Appropriation is a continuing act
• What did the case of Lockley [1995] confirm about robbery?


  Force used to escape is treated as force used to steal
• What did Dawson and James (1976) establish about the definition of force?


  Force can include a small amount and doesn't need to be applied directly
• What does Clouden (1987) say about force in robbery?


  Force on an object can be sufficient to amount to force on a person
• Is it necessary for the theft to occur from the person being threatened?


  No, the theft can occur from another source
• What must the mens rea for robbery include?


  Dishonesty, intention to permanently deprive, and intention to use force
• What happens if force is used after a fight and not to steal?

  It would not be considered robbery
• What principles does the Theft Act 1968 provide for judges in robbery cases?


  • Clear definitions of theft and robbery
  • Guidelines for determining force and intent
  • Framework for assessing mens rea and actus reus