PA+Property+Offense+Scenario+and+Question


 * __HOT Questions__**

1. Suppose a person is launching fireworks in their yard and a mortar ball accidentally launches into the neighbors barn setting it on fire. The authorities arrive and the perpetrator confesses to be responsible for the blaze. Is this a property crime punishible in Criminal Court or an issue for Civil Court? Would the perpetrator be guilty of arson?

2. What are the similarities between "Agricultural Vandalism" and "Agricultural Crop Destruction"? Why are the punishments different between these offenses? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 * __Local Example__**

A York area volunteer firefighter (irony) is to serve jail time for setting fire to his apartment bathroom. The blaze cost $11,000 in damages but his sentence was mitigated through a plea bargain. State officials said that on Sept. 21 Simon set fire to clothing in the bathroom of his apartment in the 300 block of Main Street. His children were inside the apartment at the time.

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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A boy walks onto school property after school hours wearing a ski mask and all black. First he finds all the cameras and spray paints them black so they cannot see anything. Then after breaking inside he sprays grafitti on the walls and lockers. After this he goes into the principles office and starts breaking all his stuff. Before he leaves the school catches a desk on fire. What kind of property offense is this? And what charges should this boy be given?
 * __Scenario__**