How is larceny from a merchant typically defined?

Larceny from a merchant is specifically defined as the act of taking goods or merchandise from a merchant with the intent to permanently deprive the merchant of those goods. This definition emphasizes the illegal nature of obtaining goods without consent, as opposed to scenarios where consent is given or goods are returned. The focus is on the specific context of stealing from a merchant, where the intent to deprive the owner of their property is key to defining the crime.

In contrast, taking goods with the owner's consent does not constitute larceny, as larceny requires the absence of consent. Similarly, returning stolen goods does not align with the definition of larceny; rather, it involves an act of restitution. Purchasing goods with counterfeit money is classified as fraud, not larceny, since it involves deception rather than theft. Thus, defining larceny from a merchant as committing a larceny against a merchant captures the essence of the crime accurately, focusing on the unlawful taking of property.