According to Ward J, theft can occur in an instant by a single appropriation but can also involve a longer course of dealing. Which option best reflects this?

According to Ward J, theft can occur in an instant by a single appropriation but can also involve a longer course of dealing. Which option best reflects this?

• A. Theft is always instantaneous.
• B. Theft can last for days.
• C. Theft can occur in an instant or involve a longer course.
• D. Theft never involves multiple appropriations.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that theft can happen in different ways: it can be a single moment of appropriation or it can unfold over a period of time. Theft requires taking property belonging to another and treating it as your own with the intent to deprive the owner permanently. That means a one-off act—like grabbing something and leaving—fits, but so can a continuing course of dealing where property is repeatedly taken, used, or withheld over days or longer, while still amounting to appropriation and intent to deprive. Ward J’s point is that the offense isn’t limited to a single instantaneous act; it can be a process that lasts longer. So the option that captures both possibilities—an act that can occur instantly or over a longer course—best reflects this concept. The other options are too narrow: theft is not restricted to being always instantaneous; it can extend over days; and it can involve multiple appropriations over time rather than never involving more than one act.

The main idea is that theft can happen in different ways: it can be a single moment of appropriation or it can unfold over a period of time. Theft requires taking property belonging to another and treating it as your own with the intent to deprive the owner permanently. That means a one-off act—like grabbing something and leaving—fits, but so can a continuing course of dealing where property is repeatedly taken, used, or withheld over days or longer, while still amounting to appropriation and intent to deprive. Ward J’s point is that the offense isn’t limited to a single instantaneous act; it can be a process that lasts longer.

So the option that captures both possibilities—an act that can occur instantly or over a longer course—best reflects this concept. The other options are too narrow: theft is not restricted to being always instantaneous; it can extend over days; and it can involve multiple appropriations over time rather than never involving more than one act.