Delaware Security Guard Practice Exam

What is the term for a person who illegally enters a property?

1. Vandal

2. Thief

3. Trespasser

4. Intruder

The correct answer is: Trespasser

The term "trespasser" specifically refers to an individual who enters a property without permission. This legal definition highlights the act of entering another person's property without authorization, which is a violation of property rights. Trespassing doesn't require the individual to have the intent to commit a crime beyond simply entering; the mere act of entering without permission constitutes trespassing. In contrast, the other terms hold different meanings. For example, a "vandal" refers to someone who deliberately damages property, which involves destructive behavior rather than unauthorized entry. A "thief" is someone who steals, indicating an intention to permanently take someone else's belongings, which is a distinct crime involving theft. An "intruder," while often used interchangeably with trespasser, can imply a broader context of entering without consent, but it doesn't have the precise legal connotation that "trespasser" holds. Therefore, in this scenario, "trespasser" accurately captures the specific action of illegally entering a property without permission.