What defines embezzlement?

Embezzlement is defined by the unlawful act of dishonestly converting or disposing of property that belongs to another person or entity. This typically involves someone in a position of trust, such as an employee or fiduciary, who misappropriates funds or assets for their personal use without the owner's consent. The key aspect here is the “dishonesty” involved in the act, as it indicates that the individual has no intention of returning the property or using it for its intended purpose.

In contrast, taking property temporarily does not encapsulate the dishonesty that defines embezzlement; it may imply a lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Similarly, borrowing property with permission is not embezzlement since it involves the owner’s consent for the temporary use of their property. Lastly, returning stolen items describes a situation where property is restored to the rightful owner, which is entirely separate from the concept of embezzlement, as that act typically involves theft or conversion without intention to return. Thus, the emphasis on dishonesty and conversion is what makes the second choice the correct definition of embezzlement.