Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

What constitutes a robbery?

1. Stealing from a store

2. Taking someone's wallet with force

3. Breaking into a car

4. Knocking someone over and taking their purse

The correct answer is: Knocking someone over and taking their purse

Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of property from a person through the use of force or intimidation. The correct choice highlights this definition perfectly, as it involves knocking someone over and taking their purse, which explicitly incorporates the element of force against a person to achieve theft. In this scenario, the act of physical aggression not only shows the intent to steal but also illustrates the direct threat or harm to the victim, which is critical in categorizing the crime as robbery. Other scenarios, although they involve theft, do not meet the full criteria for robbery. For example, stealing from a store may involve theft but does not include direct force against an individual. Taking someone's wallet with force does align with the definition of robbery, but the best option outlined clearly depicts a scenario of violence and direct interaction that inherently defines robbery. Breaking into a car is an instance of burglary rather than robbery, as it does not require confrontation with a person.