Arson is defined as the __________ and malicious burning of another's property or the burning of one's own property for some illegal purpose.

Arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning of another's property or the burning of one's own property for some illegal purpose. This definition emphasizes the intentional aspect of the act, as "willful" indicates that the individual had the purpose and disregard for the safety of the property involved.

When a person commits arson, they deliberately set fire to property with the intent to cause damage or destruction. This element of intent is critical in distinguishing arson from other types of fire incidents that might occur without malice or purpose. In the context of crime scene analysis, establishing the willful nature of the act can be important for legal proceedings, helping to differentiate between accidental fires, which lack intent, and willful acts aimed at causing harm or facilitating illegal activities.