Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.

This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Laughlin (D) set fire to a stable. The stable fire burned a nearby barn. D was indicted for feloniously, willfully, and maliciously setting fire to a barn (a felony). The stable fire (a misdemeanor) was set 26 feet away. The jury was instructed that if they found that there was a reasonable probability that burning of the barn would follow the setting of the stable fire, D should be held responsible for it. D was convicted. D appealed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.