What is an essential element of Unarmed Robbery?

An essential element of unarmed robbery is the presence of a victim. In order for a crime to be classified as robbery, there must be a victim from whom property is taken, either directly or through intimidation. This element distinguishes robbery from theft, as robbery specifically involves the unlawful taking of property through means that create fear or the possibility of physical harm to the victim. The presence of a victim is crucial because it establishes the interpersonal nature of the crime, highlighting the threat or the fear that is instilled in the person from whom the property is taken.

The other options, while relevant to understanding the broader context of robbery, do not capture this core component. The presence of a weapon pertains to armed robbery specifically, the intended use of force can be an element in the context of robbery but does not alone define unarmed robbery, and planning with accomplices, while it may support the act, is not a necessary element in defining the crime itself. Thus, the presence of a victim is key to categorizing the act correctly as unarmed robbery.