Legal Definitions - forcible entry

Definition: Forcible entry is when someone enters a property without permission and by using force or threats. This can include breaking windows or doors, using violence or threats to get inside, or forcing people out of their home after entering peacefully. It can also refer to the technique used by firefighters to enter a building that is locked or blocked.

Examples:

• A burglar breaking into a house by smashing a window is an example of forcible entry.
• A landlord changing the locks on a tenant's apartment without notice and without the tenant's permission is also an example of forcible entry.
• Firefighters using a battering ram to break down a door to enter a burning building is an example of forcible entry used for emergency purposes.

The examples illustrate how forcible entry involves using force or threats to enter a property without permission. It is illegal and can result in criminal charges. In emergency situations, such as a fire, forcible entry may be necessary to save lives and property.