What is implied by the term "breaking" in burglary?

The term "breaking" in the context of burglary traditionally refers to the act of entering a structure without permission. While "breaking" can sometimes suggest a forced entry, it is not limited to that interpretation. The legal definition of "breaking" includes not only the act of forcibly entering a locked building but also encompasses scenarios where a person enters through an unlocked entry. This suggests that any unauthorized entry—regardless of whether force was used—is considered "breaking."

In legal terms, burglary often involves the intent to commit a crime once inside, which is satisfied even if a door or window was merely opened, provided that the individual did not have permission to enter. Therefore, entering through an unlocked entry is sufficient for an act to be classified as burglary, as it shows the intent to infringe on the property owner's rights. This broad interpretation is significant in understanding burglary in both law enforcement and legal contexts.