Death by fir1

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Death by Fire, Movie

How would setting fires and studying how they burn help scientists who conduct fire

investigations?

By setting up the fire and studying, how it burn would help the fire investigators to

ascertain whether the case is arson or not. For instance, if one sets a fire against a wall using a

basket filled up with papers, as it goes up and spreads, it makes a ‘V’ mark on the wall. If the ‘V’

mark is narrow, it means that it must be started. The scientist would possibly start the fire and

place an instrument that would capture the smoke by using the Fire Product Collector. This

would assist them in gathering more information on the amount of energy that the burning

objects release. Naturally, a high energy-producing object would speed up the fire spread. They

would also determine the chemicals used to burn down the house by identifying the particulates

in the smoke. Furthermore, the scientist would have measured the toxic effect of the fire and

determine the amount of heat produced. In this case, they would have determined the cause of

the fire.

How valid do you think Hurst’s criticisms are for the arson evidence from the initial fire

investigation? Explain.

Surname 2

From the initial investigation, there is some evidence that indicates that the fire was

started. Even though Hurst criticizes that Willingham was executed without enough evidence,

this may not be a valid claim. The initial investigation indicated distinct ‘V’ in the corridor of

Willingham’s house. After a close examination, there were patterns indicating that the fire was

set in the children’s bedroom, the front door and the hallway. The fire was therefore set

intentionally. Someone had poured the liquid accelerant in this three strategic spots thereby

creating a fire barrier to prevent anyone from escaping. Hurst’s criticism of the conviction is not

valid at this instance.

Do you believe that the state proved its case that Willingham was guilty of murdering his

three children by arson?

The state conducted the investigation to prove that someone started the fire. However, I

do not believe that the state went a step further to show that Todd Willingham was the criminal

they were looking for. It relied on the fact that the father was the only person who was around

when the fire started. The police further interviewed the neighbor and witnesses. Their response

led to believing that the father had burnt down the house. For instance, they said that Willingham

was not concerned with the blaze until the authorities arrived. He was rather preoccupied with

his car while the house was burning. The state relied on some of this facts to prove that he was

actually guilty but rather did not go a step ahead to show that he was the criminal.

Based on Hurst’s analysis of the arson evidence used to convict Willingham, do you believe

that Willingham’s execution should have been delayed and his case reopened? Why or why

not?

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Surname 1 Name Course Tutor Date Death by Fire, Movie How would setting fires and studying how they burn help scientists who conduct fire investigations? By setting up the fire and studying, how it burn would help the fire investigators to ascertain whether the case is arson or not. For instance, if one sets a fire against a wall using a basket filled up with papers, as it goes up and spreads, it makes a ‘V’ mark on the wall. If the ‘V’ mark is narrow, it means that it must be started. The scientist would possibly start the fire and place an instrument that would capture the smoke by using the Fire Product Collector. This would assist them in gathering more information on the amount of energy that the burning objects release. Naturally, a high energy-producing object would speed up the fire spread. They would also determine the chemicals used to burn down the house by identifyin ...
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