The Common Law Definition of Burglary In the realm of criminal laws, burglary holds a significant place due to its potential threat to personal property and safety. Common law, the legal system originating in England and adopted by various jurisdictions, including the United States, defines burglary as a specific criminal offense. This detailed description aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the common law definition of burglary, shedding light on its key elements, and exploring its different types. Burglary, under common law, refers to the act of unlawfully entering a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or any other offense while inside. The term "building" encompasses various structures, such as houses, offices, stores, warehouses, and even vehicles, that are adapted for overnight accommodation or contain valuable property. To establish the crime of burglary under common law, several essential elements need to be present. The first crucial element is the act of breaking and entering. While a complete destruction of the building's structure is not necessary, even the slightest forceful entry, like picking a lock or opening an unlocked door, constitutes breaking and entering under common law. The second element is the presence of intent. The perpetrator must possess the intent to commit a felony or theft upon entering the premises. Mere trespassing, without any ulterior motive to commit a crime, does not meet the necessary intent requirement for burglary. Furthermore, common law emphasizes that the entry must be unlawful, meaning that the offender does not have the legal right or permission to enter the premises. If a person enters a building legally but later decides to commit a crime inside, their actions might be considered a separate offense, such as theft or robbery, but not burglary. Moreover, it's important to note that the intent to commit a crime must be formed before or during the unlawful entry. In addition to the fundamental elements, common law recognizes specific types of burglary, which further distinguish them based on various circumstances: 1. Burglary of Dwelling: This type specifically involves unlawfully entering a residential dwelling, such as a house or an apartment, with the intent to commit a crime. The law gives heightened protection to the sanctity and security of a person's home. 2. Burglary of Commercial Buildings: This category encompasses the unlawful entry into non-residential buildings, including stores, offices, warehouses, or any other structure primarily used for business or commercial purposes. 3. Burglary of Vehicles: In common law, burglary can also extend to vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motor homes, which are adapted for overnight accommodation or possess valuable property inside. It is worth mentioning that while common law initially defined burglary as a crime occurring during nighttime, many jurisdictions have modified this requirement, expanding the scope of burglary to encompass nighttime and daytime offenses. Understanding the common law definition of burglary and its different types allows legal professionals, law enforcement officials, and individuals to effectively navigate the realms of criminal law, ensuring the protection of personal property and safety against these unlawful acts.