How is 'stolen property' defined?

The definition of 'stolen property' is fundamentally rooted in the concept of ownership and unlawful acquisition. The correct choice highlights that any items taken unlawfully from their rightful owner constitute stolen property. This means that the original owner did not consent to the removal of the property, making the act illegal.

In the context of property crimes, understanding that stolen property is directly associated with a lack of consent is crucial. It emphasizes the violation of an individual’s rights and the legal implications of taking something that does not belong to you.

While missing property, damaged goods, or abandoned items might involve situations of loss or crime, they do not fit the specific legal definition of stolen property as they do not directly indicate that an unlawful taking from an owner has occurred. For example, property missing from a store could be due to various reasons, such as misplacement rather than theft, and damaged goods may not have been taken unlawfully. Items found abandoned are also not considered stolen unless there is clear evidence that they were taken from someone without consent. Thus, the focus on unlawful taking from a rightful owner is what solidifies the definition of stolen property.