What type of entry does 'Burglary' refer to?

'Burglary' refers to an unlawful entry into a building or property with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. The primary characteristic of burglary is the entry being made through force or in a way that indicates intent to invade another's premises without permission.

When discussing forced entry or exit, it emphasizes that the individual does not have lawful access to the property and must overcome physical barriers, such as locks or doors, to gain entry. This aspect is vital to defining burglary, as it underscores the illegal nature of such an act. The action of using force signifies intent and illegitimacy, which are critical components of what constitutes a burglary.

On the other hand, entry with consent and entry through an open window do not align with the definition of burglary because both scenarios imply lawful access, negating the unlawful entry essential to a burglary definition. Similarly, entry without a key does not inherently indicate forced entry, as there could be other lawful means of access that do not involve breaking in or forcing barriers. These distinctions are important when classifying the nature of the offense and understanding legal definitions surrounding burglary.