Statutory Theft

Statutory theft refers to a legal term where a person is deemed to have committed theft based on specific statutes or laws, even if there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. This can occur in situations where, for example, someone misappropriates funds or property they were entrusted with, often relating to fiduciary responsibilities, such as in a business or custodial role. The law recognizes this as theft because it breaches the legal obligations tied to that position, even without malicious intent. Thus, statutory theft emphasizes legal accountability in possession and handling of property.