FOCL Practice Test

Brittney's actions resulted in which crime after dousing her car with gasoline and setting it on fire?

1. Destruction of property

2. Arson

3. Criminal mischief

4. Theft

The correct answer is: Arson

Dousing a car with gasoline and setting it on fire qualifies as arson because arson is specifically defined as the intentional act of setting fire to property with the intent to cause damage. This act goes beyond mere destruction of property, as it involves the deliberate use of fire, which typically carries more severe legal penalties due to the potential danger to life and further property damage it poses. In this context, while destruction of property and criminal mischief can also apply to acts that cause damage, they do not encompass the specific element of using fire. Theft, on the other hand, is unrelated since it involves unlawfully taking someone else's property. Thus, Brittney’s actions clearly align with the definition of arson, making it the most appropriate answer.