What is the legal definition of arson?

The legal definition of arson is centered around the intentional act of setting fire to property. This definition emphasizes that the act must be deliberate and unlawful—meaning that the individual involved had the purpose to cause the fire, and the act was performed without legal justification or permission.

In contrast to other options, which deal with unintentional actions, negligence, or controlled burns, option B clearly encapsulates the essence of arson: it is a crime driven by intent and unlawfulness. For example, if a person sets fire to a building with the purpose of causing damage or destruction, it directly fulfills the legal criteria for arson.

Understanding arson as an intentional act helps delineate it from other forms of property damage or destruction that do not involve a willful intent to set fire. This clarity is crucial for legal purposes, as it differentiates arson from actions such as accidental fires that may occur without intent or malice.