MisconceptionObserved in bank
Arson Requires Specific Purpose
This trap appears as a wrong-answer choice in 1 active question. Spotting how it is built is the repair: read each example's “why it's attractive” before the “why it's wrong.”
Subject distribution
- CRIMINAL1
Example wrong choices
17883_choir_potluck_stairwell_fire · CRIMINAL · Choice AYes, because common-law arson requires the defendant's conscious purpose to burn the structure.
Why it's attractive
It turns missing purpose into a complete mens rea defense.
Why it's wrong
It turns missing purpose into a complete mens rea defense.
17883_choir_potluck_stairwell_fire · CRIMINAL · Choice CNo, but only because another resident was upstairs when the fire was lit.
Why it's attractive
It makes a resident's presence the decisive reason.
Why it's wrong
It makes a resident's presence the decisive reason.
17883_choir_potluck_stairwell_fire · CRIMINAL · Choice DYes, because Nathan's real aim was to frighten the neighbors rather than damage property.
Why it's attractive
It treats the defendant's stated aim as controlling.
Why it's wrong
It treats the defendant's stated aim as controlling.
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