theft
What&#39;s so Grand about Grand Theft Auto?
<p>Why does the law use the word "Grand" when describing Grand Theft Auto. It's almost like they're glorifying it. Is there a lesser type of theft auto? </p>

<p>Grand theft, a term which is used in some jurisdictions, is "big theft". It is <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=487.&amp;lawCode=PEN" rel="noreferrer">defined in California</a> in terms of what and how much you steal, for instance "over $950" except over $250 for domestic fowl (and other things). It also includes <em>any</em> auto theft. Otherwise, it is known as petty theft ("small theft": the terms derive from French and sometimes spelled "petit"). On the other hand, <a href="http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9a.56" rel="noreferrer">Washington state</a> does not use those terms, instead they have 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree theft, as well as theft of motor vehicle, two degrees of taking of motor vehicle, and so on.</p>
