Arson - Danger To Life
Section 267(1)(a) Crimes Act 1961
Arson - Vehicle/Immovable Property No Interest
Section 267(1)(b) Crimes Act 1961
Arson - Cause Loss/Obtain Benefit
Section 267(1)(c) Crimes Act 1961
Attempted Arson
Section 268 Crimes Act 1961
Intentional Damage - Danger To Life
Section 269(1) Crimes Act 1961
Intentional Damage - No Interest
Section 269(2)(a) Crimes Act 1961
Intentional Damage - Obtain Benefit/Cause Loss
Section 269(2)(b) Crimes Act 1961
Intentional Damage - Other Property
Section 269(3) Crimes Act 1961
Cameron v R (Recklessness)
Recklessness is established if:
(a) the defendant recognised that there was a real possibility that:
(i) his or her actions would bring about the proscribed result; and/or
(ii) that the proscribed circumstances existed; and
(b) having regard to that risk those actions were unreasonable
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
R v Morley (Loss)
Loss is assessed by the extent to which the complainants position prior to the (offence) has been diminished or impaired
R v Harpur
The court may have regard to the conduct viewed cumulatively up to the point when the conduct in question stops. The defendants conduct may be considered in its entirety. Considering how much remains to be done is always relevant though not determinative
R v Wilson
Tenancy of a property constitutes an interest in it
R v Collister
Intent can be derived from actions/words, the nature of the act itself and surrounding circumstances.
R v Harpur (Attempts)
An attempt includes an act or omission constituting a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in his commission of the crime
Define Recklessness
Consciously and deliberately taking an unjustifiable risk (Cameron v R, R v Tipple)
R v Tipple
A deliberate decision to run the risk.
Define damage by fire/explosive:
Will often involve burning or charring, not necessary property is actually set alight, melting, blistering of paint or significant smoke damage may be sufficient. (R v Archer)
Define fire
Is the result of the process of combustion, a chemical reaction between fuel, oxygen and triggered by heat.
Define explosive
Means any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state is capable of either decomposition at such a rapid rate as to result in an explosion or of producing a pyrotechnic effect.
Define property
Any real and personal property, and any estate or interest in any real or personal property (money, electricity) and any debt, and any thing in action and any other right or interest.
Define claim of right
At the time of the act, a belief in a proprietary or possessory right in property in relation to which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
Define immovable property
Property will be considered immovable if it is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved, even though it may be possible to make it move. Ie, buildings, land, things growing on land.
Define vehicle
Contrivance equipped with wheels, tracks or revolving runners on which it moves or is moved. Includes a hovercraft, skateboard, in-line and roller skates.