ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines Third Degree Arson?

1. Damage caused to a building with people present

2. Using an accelerant in a fire

3. Damaging property for personal gain

4. Damage caused by a fire with no explosion

The correct answer is: Damaging property for personal gain

Third Degree Arson is characterized by the intentional destruction of property for the purpose of personal gain. This definition emphasizes the motive behind the act—primarily economic benefit or opportunistic gain. This could involve setting a fire to collect insurance money or to eliminate competition, illustrating a calculated action rather than mere negligence or unintended damage. While other options mention elements surrounding arson, they do not encapsulate the full legal definition of Third Degree Arson. For instance, creating damage while people are present speaks to potential endangerment but does not necessarily imply personal gain. Similarly, using an accelerant might indicate a method employed in setting fires but lacks the necessary context of motive tied to personal benefit. Finally, damage caused by a fire without an explosion might describe certain scenarios in arson cases but does not inherently define the economic motive that Third Degree Arson specifically encompasses. Understanding this distinction is crucial in distinguishing various types of arson and their legal implications.