Crime

During the Second World War the British government was constantly monitoring the success of its various policies concerning the Home Front. The government was also aware of the possibility that it might be necessary to introduce legislation to deal with any emerging problems.

It is December 1941. You have been asked to write a report on Crime and Punishment. This is to be divided into two sections.

Crime and Punishment: Main article

(1) A report on crime since the outbreak of the war.

Things you should consider include:

(a) What kind of crimes increased during the war?

(b) Why did certain crimes increase during the Blitz?

(c) Why was it difficult for the government try to deal with fraudulent compensation claims during the war?

(d) What was the black market and how did the government attempt to deal with this problem?

(e) Why did the murder-rate increase during the war?

(f) Describe three murder-cases that took place in Britain during the war.

(2) A report that includes proposals about the changes that you would like to see in government policy. These proposals will then be discussed and voted on by the rest of the class.

Things you should consider include:

(a) What preventative methods could the government take to reduce criminal activity?

(b) Should the government change the punishments for those found guilty of crimes committed during the war?

(c) Should the government increase the size of the British police force?

(d) What measures should the government take to prevent criminals from gaining access to weapons?