Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Robbery

​ROBBERY, the unlawful taking away of money or goods of any value from the person of another, or in his presence, either by violence or by putting him in fear. Hence, in order to constitute robbery, there must be: (1) An unlawful taking. (2) The thing must be of some value, but it is immaterial, as constituting the offense, whether it be a cent or a dollar. (3) The taking must be by force, or a previous putting in fear. It is this last which distinguishes robbery from other larcenies, and makes the violation of the person more atrocious than private stealing. The taking must also be either directly from the person or in his presence, or it is not robbery. The thing taken must have been in the possession of the thief, and if he once has it in his possession, even though he immediately restore it, he is still guilty of robbery. In the United States robbery is punishable according to the laws of the various States.

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