“Animo furandi” is a Latin phrase that translates to “with the intent of stealing” or “with a thieving mind.” This phrase is often used in legal contexts to describe the mental state or intent of a person who has committed theft or larceny. It is frequently employed in discussions of criminal law to emphasize that the individual had the intention to steal at the moment of committing the act.
To prove the crime of theft or larceny, prosecutors must show that the accused not only took someone else’s property but also did so with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of that property. In many legal systems, the mental state of the offender is crucial in determining the severity of the offense and the appropriate legal consequences.
The term “animo furandi” helps to express the blameworthy mental state required for theft-related offenses. Without the necessary intent to steal, an individual may not be convicted of theft.