Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

What is a "trespass" in legal terms?

1. The act of entering a public space without permission

2. The unauthorized entry onto private property

3. The act of loitering in a commercial area

4. The unauthorized use of company resources

The correct answer is: The unauthorized entry onto private property

A "trespass" in legal terms specifically refers to the unauthorized entry onto private property. This legal concept protects property owners' rights to control access to their land. When someone enters or remains on someone else’s property without permission, they are violating the property owner’s rights and can be subject to legal action. Trespassing does not require that damage occurs or that there is an intention to commit a further crime; simply entering without permission is sufficient. The other options, while related to concepts of legality and property rights, do not precisely define trespass. Entering a public space, although it can involve issues of permission, does not pertain to private property rights. Loitering in a commercial area is more about behavior in a public space rather than entry onto property. Similarly, the unauthorized use of company resources pertains to the misuse of provided assets rather than issues of property entry rights. Therefore, the definition of trespass is focused solely on unauthorized entry into private property.