Crime Conversation Questions

Warm-up Task:
Brainstorm a list of different crimes.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is crime a serious problem where you live? What kinds of crimes happen often?
2. Do the police do a good job in your country?
3. How do you feel when you see a police officer?
4. Are some people naturally bad or does their upbringing and environment lead them to commit crimes? How much should we blame society and how much should we blame the person?
5. Shoplifting is when people take things from a store without paying. How can stores stop shoplifters?
6. At what age are we fully responsible for our actions? What is the youngest age that a criminal should be punished as an adult?
7. How do you feel about drunk driving? What is the proper punishment for someone who drinks alcohol and drives?
8. Have you ever seen a crime being committed? What did you see?
9. If a person acts in self-defense and accidentally hurts someone, should they be punished?
10. Is carrying a gun a good way to stay safe? Why or why not?
11. Does your country have the death penalty? What do you think about this kind of punishment?
12. Have you ever been robbed? What did they take? How did you feel?

13. How can we reduce crime? With harsher punishments or better education?
14. Is the goal of prison to punish or to rehabilitate? Can people change?
15. Is there any illegal behavior in your country that you think should be legal?
16. Is there legal behavior in your country that you think should be made illegal?
17. Do rich people get away with crimes? Is the system unfair?
18. Do you enjoy television shows about crime and the police? Which ones are good?
19. Does what we see on television and in movies influence people to do crime? If so, what can we do about it?
20. Is the overall crime rate increasing or decreasing where you live? Do you think the world will be safer or more dangerous in the future?