Joey, a handyman, finishes a job in Mrs. Smith’s home. Mrs. Smith is absentminded and typically forgets to close or lock all her doors. That night, as Joey was passing through her neighborhood, he sees the back door of Mrs. Smith’s house wide open. He decides he wants to take some of the valuables he had seen while working there. He enters the house quietly, walks around, and realizes that no one is home. Joey walks to Mrs. Smith’s bedroom only to find the bedroom door locked. He breaks the lock, kicks the door open, and goes through Mrs. Smith’s drawers and jewelry box. He steals priceless jewels and family heirlooms totaling up to $25,000. Discuss and analyze this case under modern statutes of burglary.

What will be an ideal response?


Modern statutes have changed the elements of burglary and Joey will be liable for the crime. It is irrelevant that there was no breaking because the entry was still trespassory. Also, any part of a house may be burgled.

Criminal Justice

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A. 3 B. 5 C. 7 D. 10

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According to Cesare Beccaria, the basis of society, as well as the origin of punishments and the right to punish, is

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Criminal Justice

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Criminal Justice