Legal Definitions - combustio domorum

Combustio domorum

Combustio domorum is a Latin term that means "houses burning." It refers to the act of intentionally setting fire to one's own house, which is located within city limits or close enough to other houses that they might also catch fire. This is considered a common-law misdemeanor, even if no actual damage to other houses occurs.

John was angry with his neighbor, so he decided to burn down his own house to get back at him. However, his house was close to other houses, and the fire spread, causing damage to his neighbor's property. John was charged with combustio domorum.

Another example is when a person is struggling financially and decides to burn down their own house to collect insurance money. This is also considered combustio domorum and is illegal.

These examples illustrate how combustio domorum is a serious crime that can cause harm to others and is punishable by law.