Is it ever okay to break the law? If so, when? What crimes have you heard about recently in the news? What do you think is the worst crime a person could commit? Why? Do you think the death penalty is a fair punishment? Why? Why do people steal things?

Look at the stories again and answer the following questions: Story 1: Detectives investigating the murder of a woman are trying to find out exactly how and when she died. They are also trying to confirm the identity of the body, which was found two days ago by a man walking his dog. Police are examining the crime scene for clues, but as yet have no leads. What don’t the police know? What tells you this? How long have the police been investigating the murder?   Story 2: A 55-year old man has been charged after trying to strangle a 22-year old woman on New Year’s Eve. The man was remanded in custody and will appear in court tomorrow. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at just after midnight outside Reveller’s Nightclub. Did the woman die? How do you know? Who do the police want to talk to about the man who tried to strangle a young woman?   Story 3: A thief who has admitted to breaking into more than 300 homes is the latest weapon in the fight against crime. “Bob”, who is in his forties, has spent more than ten years in jail for various crimes. He now works with police helping them to give advice to homeowners on home to stop potential burglars. What kind of weapon are police using to stop burglars? When did police start working with “Bob”?   Story 4: A 19-year old woman has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for smuggling. The woman was returning from a holiday when she was stopped by customs officers as she walked through Gatwick airport. The officials seized drugs worth nearly £100, 000. Why is a 19-year-old going to prison for six months? Was the woman going on holiday?   Story 5: Police in one UK town have arrested more shop lifters in one week than they would usually arrest in a year. A recent crackdown has seen more than 250 people caught stealing from shops. The operation lasted six days and involved more than 30 undercover cops and uniformed officers. How many people would police usually arrest for shoplifting in one year? Were only 30 police involved in the operation? How do you know?   Final say: Which one of these crimes do you think is the worst? Why?