What reasons can cause an arson case to be thrown out of court?

An arson case may be thrown out of court if the evidence presented is found to be inadmissible due to a failure to maintain a proper chain of custody. The chain of custody is a legal term that refers to the process of maintaining and controlling physical evidence. It ensures that the evidence presented in court is the same as that which was originally collected, without any tampering or contamination. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate that the evidence was handled correctly throughout the investigation process—meaning every transfer of the evidence is documented—then the reliability and integrity of that evidence can be questioned.

If key evidence such as physical samples, photographs, or witness statements are deemed inadmissible, it severely weakens the prosecution's case, potentially leading to the case being dismissed. This principle underscores the importance of strict procedures in evidence collection and handling in criminal investigations, particularly in serious cases involving arson where the stakes are high.

While other factors like insufficient evidence, lack of witnesses, and failure to establish motive can also lead to complications in a case, they are not typically grounds for outright dismissal in the same way that a break in the chain of custody can be.