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Criminal Law • Crimes Against Property
CRIMLAW#051
Legal Definition
House burning is the malicious burning of one's own dwelling if it is in either a city or town, or so near to other houses as to create a danger to them.
Plain English Explanation
Fires are serious. History is full of cities that have been wiped out by fires, rebuilt, and wiped out again. As such, though people can generally do whatever they want with their property, the law doesn't appreciate things that risk the lives of innocent folks. Thus, if someone lives in a developed area with neighbors that are reasonably near them, then the law forbids them from burning down their own home. In contrast, if a person lives out in the middle of nowhere, they may be free to burn their home down if they wish.
Related Concepts
Can a defendant commit larceny against abandoned property?
What are false pretenses?
What are the crimes against property?
What is a continuing trespass?
What is arson?
What is burglary?
What is embezzlement?
What is extortion and blackmail?
What is forgery?
What is larceny?
What is larceny by trick?
What is malicious mischief?
What is receipt of stolen property?
What is robbery?
