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arson definition - legal

n

  1. In common law, the willful and malicious burning of someone elseÂ’s dwelling house. In some states, the term includes, under specific circumstances, the burning of a dwelling house by its owner.
  2. Under modern statutes, the intentional causing of a dangerous fire or explosion for the purpose of destroying oneÂ’s own or anotherÂ’s property.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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