What intention defines larceny?

The definition of larceny centers around the intention to permanently deprive another individual of their property. This means that the act involves not just taking someone else's property, but doing so with the clear intent of denying the owner the ability to reclaim or use their property in the future. This element of permanence differentiates larceny from other related offenses, such as borrowing, where there may be no intention to deprive the owner of the property on a long-term basis.

Understanding this intention is essential for distinguishing larceny from other forms of theft or misappropriation. For example, temporarily depriving someone of property does not encapsulate the essence of larceny, as the intent may not be to permanently take it away. Similarly, taking property with permission clearly does not meet the conditions of larceny, as consent from the owner negates the idea of theft. Lastly, while harming the owner may be an outcome of the theft, it is not a defining intention required for larceny; the focus is strictly on the intent to permanently deprive.