Breaking

/ˈbreɪkɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of forcibly entering property or physically violating legal possession, often relevant in trespass or burglary.
    The suspect was charged with breaking into the residence.
  2. (n.) The act of violating or breaching a legal duty, contract, or condition.
    Breaking the terms of the lease may result in penalties.

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'breaking' often pairs with 'entering' to form the crime of burglary, focusing on unauthorized entry; it also broadly denotes violation of agreements or duties.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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