What defines theft according to the Ohio Revised Code?

The Ohio Revised Code defines theft primarily as the act of exerting control over property without the owner's consent. This definition encompasses a wide range of actions where an individual unlawfully takes or uses someone else's property with the intention of depriving the owner of it. The emphasis is on the lack of consent from the rightful owner, which is a fundamental component of theft.

This definition is crucial because it highlights the illegality of gaining control over another person's belongings without permission, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the act. It establishes the legal framework for understanding various forms of theft, including larceny and shoplifting, and clarifies that theft can occur without the use of force, making it distinct from robbery, which involves the use of intimidation or physical force.

Other choices reflect inaccuracies about the nature of theft under the Ohio Revised Code. For instance, knowingly using someone else's property with consent does not constitute theft, as consent negates the unlawful element. Similarly, stealing only when accompanied by force inaccurately limits the definition by suggesting that all theft requires the use of force, which is not the case. Lastly, taking items that are abandoned may not be theft, as the definition of theft involves taking property that is under someone's ownership or control, not items that have