House-burning is a crime at common law. The elements of this misdemeanor are:
- Malicious (the same as in the crime of arson).
- Burning
- of one's own dwelling
- if the structure is situated either
- in a city or town or
- so near to other houses as to create a danger to them.
In terms of punishment for the crime of house burning, the sentences may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they typically include imprisonment, fines, and in severe cases, life imprisonment. The punishment will vary depending on the extent of the damages caused, the number of people affected, and the motive behind the crime.
See Overstreet v. Commonwealth, 147 Ky. 471 (1912)
[Last updated in February of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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