Arson Flashcards
What was held in R v Archer?
Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporary physical harm or permanent or temporary impairment of its use or value.
Case law for Damage?
R v Archer - property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporary physical harm or permanent or temporary impairment of its use or value.
Define fire
Fire is the result of the process of combustion, a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen, triggered by heat.
Define explosive
Means any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable either of decomposition at such a rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect.
What was held in R v Morley (cause loss)?
Loss is assessed by the extent to which the complainants position prior to the offence has been diminished or impaired.
What elements must exist to be guilty of attempted arson?
Intend to commit the offence AND take a real and substantial step towards achieving that aim.
What was held in R v Harpur?
The court may view conduct cumulatively up to the point when the conduct stops. The defendants conduct may be considered in its entirety. Considering how much remains to be done is relevant though not determinative.
What was held in Cameron v R?
Recklessness is established if:
- The defendant recognised there was a real possibility that their actions would bring about the proscribed result
and/or
- That the proscribed circumstances existed and having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable.
What is the section and elements for Arson - Danger to life?
Arson - Danger to life
Section 267(1)(a), CA 1961
- Intentionally/Recklessly
- Damages by fire/by any means of explosive
- Any property
- Knows/Ought to know Danger to life was likely to ensue
What is section 267(1)(a), CA 1971?
Arson - Danger to life
Define intent.
Intent means an intention to commit a specific act and intention to obtain a specific result.
R v Collister - Words and actions before, during, after, the nature of the offence, and surrounding circumstances, point to intent.
Define Recklessness.
Cameron v R - the defendant knew there was a real possibility his actions could bring about a proscribed result and the proscribed circumstances existed and having regard to those risks his actions were unreasonable.
R v Tipple - A deliberate decision to run a risk
Define property.
Real and personal property, estate or interest
Define danger to life.
Must be danger to someone else’s life and must be human
Define immovable property.
Currently fixed in place, although able to be moved. Higher in value. Generally relates to buildings and land and things growing on land such as forests.
Define vehicle.
Contrivance with wheels, tracks, rollers, runners which can make it move
Define ship
Any description of vessel used in navigation
Define aircraft
Machine that derives support from the air
What is the section and elements of Arson - No interest?
Arson - No interest
Section 267(1)(b), CA 1961
- Intentionally/Recklessly
- Without claim of right
- Damages by fire/,by any means of explosive
- Any immovable property/vehicle/ship/aircraft
- In which that person has no interest
What is section 267(1)(b), CA 1961?
Arson - No interest
What is the case law for interest in property?
R v Wilson - Tenancy of a property constitutes interest.
List the natural causes of fire
Chemicals That Light Stuff Really Spontaneous
1. Chemical reaction
2. The Suns Rays
3. Lighting
4. Static electricity
5. Rodents eating through wiring
6. Spontaneous combustion
What Powers do Fire Service have under section 28 of Fire Service Act 1975
Everybody Calm Right Right Down
1. Enter private premises when necessary to do duties.
2. Close Roads
3. Remove vehicles
4. Remove people
5. Do anything else to protect life and property
What rules exist around Police use of Fire Service powers?
- Police can use FSP when called upon by person in charge
- Police have no right to use powers just because they are present
What is the purpose of the MOU between Police and FS?
- Ensure investigations are efficiently co-ordinated, expertly and independently conducted
- Relevant evidence is protected and collected for criminal prosecution or coronial inquiries
When will FS notify police?
- Suspicious fire
- Fire causing death or serious injury
What is the role of Fire Investigstion Liaison Officer? (FILO)
FILO
Death Cop Queries, Trainings, and Advice
- Attend every fire that results in serious injury or DEATH.
- CO-ordinate fire Investigations in area.
- Arrange Police attendance where required
- Assist with related QUERIES
- Co-ordinate fire investigation TRAINING for Police
- Provide ADVICE and expertise as required
When will Specialist Fire Invesitgators attend and investigate?
FISSSR
1. Fatal fires
2. Injuries - fire related, serious/life threatening
3. Suspicious fires or undetermined
4. Safety features failed
5. Spread across properties
6. Requested by Police or other agencies
What is the role of a Fire Service Investigation Liaison Officer? (FSILO)
- Arrange Specialist Fire Investigator
- Working relationship with FILO
What do SFI and FILO discuss?
SEE
Scene handover and access. Examination. Evidence.
- Handover of scene
- Access to scene
- Process for examination and investigation
- Identification and collection of evidence
What are Police responsibilities at a fire scene exam and investigation?
- Conduct criminal investigation or coronial enquiry.
- Collection, protection, recording of forensic evidence.
- Collect and remove material from fire crime scene
- Preserve, analyse, dispose of any such material.
What are common methods of setting fires?
- Candles
- Chemical igniters
- Electrical apparatus
- Matches and cigarettes
- Molotov cocktails
- Timing devices
What are acts of carelessness that might result in a fire?
- Kids playing with matches and lighters
- Ironing
- Fireworks
- Smoking
- Leaving stove or heater on
- Leaving fat unattended while cooking
What are the evidences of wilful causes of Fire?
EAIR
Explosives
Accelerants
Interference
Removal of valuable property
- Explosives
- Accelerants
- Intentional interference
- Intentional removal of valuable property
In determining the seat of the fire, the SFI (specialist Fire Investigator) will consider:
- Wind direction and speed, weather
- Witness reports
- The colour of the flames and smoke
- The direction of spread
What to ask incident controller at the scene?
- When was the call made?
- What appliance attended?
- What state was the fire in?
- Was it suspicious and why?