Robbery statutes vary by state, but usually require the use or threat of force. Here in Illinois:
A person commits robbery when he or she takes property, . . . from the person or presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force.
720 ILCS 5/18‑1
That's pretty standard.
--- On Tue, 4/7/09, Miles Jackson <cqmv at pdx.edu> wrote:
> From: Miles Jackson <cqmv at pdx.edu>
> Subject: Re: [lbo-talk] Abolition of prisons (Was: Angela...)
> To: lbo-talk at lbo-talk.org
> Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 12:16 AM
> Shane Mage wrote:
> >
> > On Apr 6, 2009, at 8:21 PM, Jordan Hayes wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> There is *no* *such* *thing* as a
> non-physical-assault Robbery!
> >>
> > Ever heard of pickpockets? Shoplifters?
> >
> > Shane Mage
>
> The barristers are probably typing as I post, but I'll
> note that
> shoplifting or pickpocketing is larceny, not robbery.
>
> Miles
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