What differentiates "robbery" from "theft" in Pennsylvania?

Robbery is defined as taking property from another person through the use of force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. This element of physical confrontation or the implication of harm is what sets robbery apart from theft. In a robbery, the victim is made to feel threatened or is physically coerced into surrendering their property, which elevates the crime to a more serious offense compared to theft, which generally involves taking someone else's property without their consent but does not involve direct confrontation or coercion.

In Pennsylvania law, understanding this distinction is crucial because robbery is categorized as a more severe crime, often resulting in harsher penalties due to the inherent threat to individuals. The focus is on the manner of taking—robbery directly affects the victim's personal safety, while theft does not necessarily involve such risks. This aspect reinforces why the correct answer emphasizes the use of force or intimidation in robbery.