What does breaking and entering refer to?

Breaking and entering specifically refers to the illegal act of entering a structure, such as a building, with the intent to commit a crime. This term encompasses both the physical act of forcibly entering (breaking) and the unauthorized entry (entering) itself. The definition emphasizes that the act is unlawful, highlighting the criminal intent behind the action, which is typically associated with burglary or theft.

In the context of the other choices, entering a public building without permission does not constitute breaking and entering because it applies to public spaces where permission is generally not required for access. Gaining access to a vehicle without consent pertains to theft or unlawful entry related to vehicles, but it does not fit under the traditional legal definition of breaking and entering, which is specifically tied to buildings. Accessing someone's personal property generally refers to trespassing or other forms of invasion but lacks the element of entering a building unlawfully.

Thus, the focus on the unlawful act of entering a building distinctly qualifies "breaking and entering" under option C, making it the appropriate choice for this question.