STATUTE: Criminal code section $20-4-102,$ Arson. A person who knowingly sets fire to$,$ burns, causes to be burned, or by use of any explosive, damages or destroys, or causes to be damaged or destroyed, any property of another without his consent commits arson.

QUESTIONS:

$1.$ What are the required elements of arson?

$2.$ Tom breaks into a neighbor$$s barn, sets off $20$ sticks of dynamite, and blows up the barn. The barn does not catch fire, but it is blown to small bits and completely destroyed. Has Tom committed arson? Why or why not?

$3.$ Lois breaks into a house intending to steal cash and jewelry. She lights a match to locate a safe. She drops the match; it falls in a trash can and the house catches fire. Has Lois committed arson? Why or why not?

$4.$ Dai$$s Diner is losing money and about to go out of business. Dai and Steve own the building where the diner is located. One evening, Dai sets the building on fire to collect the insurance on the building. Has Dai committed arson? Why or why not?