Examine state arson laws

Overview: A fire aboard a subway train in Daegu, South Korea quickly spread from car to car Tuesday morning, killing at least 120 people. When firefighters were able to put out the blaze about three hours after it began, many had suffocated after becoming trapped in the subway. Authorities believe the fire was set intentionally, and they are doing all they can to find out the reason behind it.

After students read "Disaster strikes subway train in South Korea" and watch the first segment of CNN Student News (the video can be accessed from CNNStudentNews.com) pose the following questions:

1. Have students locate the city of Daegu on the Holt, Rinehart and Winston map of South Korea (http://go.hrw.com/atlas/norm_htm/skorea.htm). Then ask:Which U.S. city has about the same size population as Daegu? How many people were killed as a result of the subway fire in Daegu? How did the fire start? How have authorities responded to the tragedy? What is the status of the suspect?

RESOURCES • CNN.com: South Korea subway toll hits 120  • The International Association of Arson Investigators  • Insurance Committee for Arson Control  • Links to State Laws

2. What are your thoughts and feelings regarding the fire? Does this event change your feelings about riding in subways? Explain.

3. Ask students: What is arson? Why do some people commit arson? Then, refer student groups to multimedia resources to learn about the legal consequences for arson in their state. Have students consider the following possible consequences of setting fires: personal injury to self and others, property damages, fines and restitutions, incarceration, counseling and classes. After groups present their findings, ask: Do you think your state's arson laws are fair and just? Explain. Should a convicted arsonist who is mentally ill face the same consequences as an arsonist who is not mentally ill? Discuss. Should arsonists who are minors face the same legal consequences as adult arsonists? State your rationale.