HOUSEBREAKING

housebreaking. The crime of breaking into a dwelling or other secured building, with the intent to commit a felony inside; BURGLARY. • Burglary is now used more frequently than housebreaking. In England, for example, housebreaking was replaced in 1968 with statutory burglary, though the term is still used in Scots law. In some jurisdictions, housebreaking includes “breaking out” of a house that was entered without a breaking. [Cases: Burglary  1.C.J.S. Burglary §§ 2–5.]

“The oldest term for this purpose [i.e., of distinguishing between common-law burglary and its statutory enlargements], still encountered at times, is ‘housebreaking’; a more recent suggestion is ‘breaking and entering,’ and peace officers sometimes speak of a ‘breakin.’ ” Rollin M. Perkins & Ronald N. Boyce, Criminal Law 270 (3d ed. 1982).

constructive housebreaking.A breaking made out by construction of law, as when a burglar

gains entry by threat or fraud. — Also termed constructive breaking into a house. [Cases: Burglary  9. C.J.S. Burglary §§ 11–12, 16, 21–22.]

[Blacks Law 8th]