Question
A factory owner set fire to his warehouse in order to collect on the insurance. He started a blaze at night when the factory and
A factory owner set fire to his warehouse in order to collect on the insurance. He started a blaze at night when the factory and warehouse were closed and he believed no one would be on the premises. Fire alarms went off and firefighters responded to the scene. During the blazing fire, a firefighter was killed. The authorities arrested the man on charges of arson and felony murder. The jurisdiction's arson statute extends to buildings other than dwellings. The factory owner was convicted of felony murder at a jury trial. The man argued that he could not be convicted of felony murder because he never intended to murder anyone.
In a jurisdction that follows common law principles, would the court uphold the felony murder conviction?
A. | No, the man had no actual intent to kill and he cannot be convicted of felony murder. | |
B. | No, felony murder only applies where there are two or more suspects acting jointly to commit a felony. | |
C. | Yes, once a felony is committed the perpetrator is liable for all events that may be connected to the felony, even if they are unexpected or unusual outcomes. | |
D. | Yes, because the death of a firefighter in the blaze was reasonably foreseeable as a consequence of the arson and therefore intent is attributed to the defendant and he is guilty of felony murder. |
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started