Exam 8: Property Destruction Offenses

Under Texas law,which of the following is always a legal defense to a charge of arson?

Bill is an employee of the International Widget Works (IWW).Bill and his coworkers have gone on strike against IWW because the company has not signed a new labor contract.Contract negotiations have gone on for six months without the company and the union coming to an agreement.Bill decides to show IWW that the workers mean business.Late one night he places a pipe bomb outside the IWW headquarters with the goal of blowing out the front windows.The bomb explodes with a big bang.Surprisingly,absolutely no damage is done to the building.An investigation leads the police to Bill.Bill has committed;

Under Texas law,which of the following is always a legal defense to a charge of arson?

The legal term referring to the domestic buildings that surround and support a residence is:

Under Texas law,a vehicle such as a camping trailer qualifies as a "habitation" since it is adapted for overnight accommodation of persons.

Under the Texas law of arson,a "habitation" must have which of the following attributes?

The Texas criminal anti-graffiti law focuses on use of spray paint and other ___________ forms of markings.

If made without the railroad's consent,spray painting designs with artistic value on company boxcars is a violation of the graffiti statute.

Use of spray paint to write political slogans on government property violates no statute because the individual's right to freedom of expression outweighs the state's interest in maintaining an orderly society.

Brittney is unhappy with the used car she purchased.She has had a series of mechanical problems with the vehicle.The used car dealer from whom she purchased the vehicle has refused to pay for any of the repairs.In frustration,Brittney drives the vehicle to the dealer's lot,douses the interior with gasoline,and sets the car afire.She walks away with a smile of satisfaction on her face.The most serious offense Brittney has committed is:

Given the expansion of residential communities outside the boundaries of the state's major cities,should relevant portions of the arson statute be amended to cover these areas in the same manner as incorporated cities? If yes,how might the locations where the statute will apply be determined?

According to Texas statute,the word "building" means any ________ or enclosure intended for use or occupation as a habitation or for some purpose of trade,manufacture,ornament,or use.

Jorge is apprehended by police officers as he is tagging several highway signs with spray paint.Jorge was painting his gang's symbols on the signs to show the extent of the gang's territorial claims.Jorge has committed a violation of:

The Texas law of arson applies to the intentional burning of crops in a field if conducted without permission of the landowner.

Should a specific statute be enacted to criminalize fire-related damage caused by negligent use of fireworks?

The offense of criminal mischief occurs if an individual purposefully damages property of another without having obtained ___________ consent from the property owner.

To avoid potential free speech issues,the Texas anti-graffiti law is ____(two words)_______.

Under Texas law,no arson occurs if an individual sets fire to a building in a city and has written permission of the building owner and the landowners on either side of the structure.

An individual may lawfully use fire to destroy his own building,habitation,and vehicles if he first obtains a ___________ from local authorities.