Let It Burn

Commonwealth v. Cali (1923)

Charge: Arson — burning insured property to defraud the insurer Jurisdiction: Massachusetts Heard on GUILTY or NOT?: 1 October 2026

Whether an owner who did not start an accidental fire, but let it burn intending to claim on the policy, has burned his building to defraud the insurer.

The facts

A fire broke out by accident in the Defendant's insured building. Rather than sound an alarm or attempt to put it out, the Defendant fled the premises and let the building burn, afterward looking to collect on the fire insurance. The Prosecution charged him with burning an insured building with intent to injure the insurer; the Defense argued the fire started accidentally, without criminal intent.

You have the facts the court had. Did the prosecution prove it? Render your verdict in the game, then see what the court actually decided — and why.

What would you have decided? Judge this case.

Citation: Commonwealth v. Cali, 247 Mass. 20, 141 N.E. 510 (1923)

Read the full decision at masscases.com. The source reveals the outcome.