Which term describes the unlawful taking of a vehicle by force or fear?

The term that describes the unlawful taking of a vehicle by force or fear is carjacking. Carjacking specifically refers to the act of stealing a vehicle directly from a person using threats or physical force, distinguishing it from other theft-related offenses. This definition encompasses both the element of taking control of the vehicle and the intimidation or coercion of the victim, which is a critical aspect of the crime.

Robbery, while related, is a broader term that generally involves the unlawful taking of property from a person through the use of force or fear, without the specific focus on vehicles. Assault involves causing or attempting to cause physical injury to someone, and false imprisonment refers to unlawfully restraining someone’s freedom of movement. None of these terms capture the unique combination of force used to take a vehicle that defines carjacking.