Final answer:
Theft is divided into two degrees: petty theft for property of low value, and grand theft for property of high value, both of which are nonviolent crimes unless force is involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theft is categorized into two primary degrees based on the value of the stolen property as well as other circumstances surrounding the crime. These two degrees are commonly known as petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft is typically defined as the theft of property that is of relatively low value, often below a threshold specified by law, such as $500 or $1000. Grand theft, on the other hand, involves property whose value exceeds this threshold and is therefore considered a more serious crime and carries harsher punishments.
Examples of petty theft might include stealing a wallet, while grand theft might involve stealing a car or larger sums of money. The dividing lines between petty and grand theft can vary by jurisdiction, but what they have in common is that they are typically considered nonviolent crimes unless they involve the use or threat of force.
The classifications and associated penalties are a reflection of societal norms which place different values on the severity of different offenses, from property crimes to more serious violent crimes. For instance, the use of force in the act of stealing would escalate the nature of the crime, potentially leading to additional charges such as robbery, which is a separate category of crime entirely.