The acts of breaking and entering a building were historically part of the definition of the crime of burglary. But most states have since broadened the definition of burglary to include any entry into a building without the permission of the owner and with the intent to commit a theft, assault, or other crime inside the building. But a few states still have a distinct criminal offense of breaking and entering a building.

And some states have a similar criminal offense of forcible and unlawful entry that make it a crime to force entry into an automobile, safe, ATM, parking meter, or vending machine.

Breaking and entering laws (and related property crime laws) are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).

In Tennessee, burglary is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 39-14-402. The state's definition of burglary has indeed broadened from the traditional common law definition. It includes not only breaking and entering but also entering a building without the owner's permission with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault. Tennessee law distinguishes between burglary, aggravated burglary, and especially aggravated burglary based on the circumstances of the offense, such as the type of building entered and whether or not the building is a habitation. Additionally, Tennessee has separate statutes for crimes like vandalism, which could encompass unlawful entry into an automobile, safe, ATM, parking meter, or vending machine with the intent to commit theft or felony. These laws are part of the state's criminal code and are enforced with varying degrees of severity depending on the specific crime committed.