What is the primary characteristic of larceny?

The primary characteristic of larceny is the trespassory taking and carrying away of personal property. This definition captures the essential elements of the crime of larceny, which includes the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The emphasis on "trespassory" indicates that the taking was without the consent of the owner, making the act unlawful from the outset.

The act must involve personal property, distinguishing larceny from other crimes that may involve real property or intangible interests. The requirement of carrying away reinforces the notion that the property must be moved from its original location, although the movement does not have to be substantial.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it differentiates larceny from other property crimes, such as robbery, which involves force or threat, and fraud, which may entail deception. While the other options touch on related concepts, they do not encapsulate the essence of larceny as clearly as the correct answer.