Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What constitutes burglary?

1. Breaking into a building with intent to steal

2. Entering a building with the intention to commit any felony

3. Committing theft while inside a building

4. Using force to enter a building

The correct answer is: Entering a building with the intention to commit any felony

Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, most commonly a felony, once inside. The key elements that define burglary include the act of entering a structure without permission and the intent to commit a crime therein. Choosing the second option accurately captures this definition because it emphasizes both the act of entering a building and the intention to commit any felony, which is broader than just theft. This legal framework allows for the interpretation of burglary to include various intentions, such as assault or theft, as long as the entry was unlawful and the intent existed at the time of entry. The first option, while it notes breaking into a building with intent to steal, is less comprehensive because it limits the intent specifically to stealing rather than including all felonies. The third option focuses solely on the act of committing theft—this is a potential outcome of burglary but does not encompass the entry and intent requirements. The fourth option delineates the mechanism of entry, using force, which is not a necessary component of burglary; entering without force, as long as the intent exists, still qualifies as burglary. Thus, the correct answer captures the broader and essential legal definition of burglary.