The Law Flashcards
Racism and Alcohol
Immigration caused huge racial tensions.
Alcohol, prostitution and gambling also played a role. In mining camps, where only men lived, alcohol caused fighting and crime.
Con-men targeted miners to steal their money.
San Francisco gangs
San Francisco’s population grew from 1000 to 25,000 by 1849 because of the gold rush.
Many who arrived did not find gold which left them disappointed.
In 1851, gang violence was widespread. Local police could not deal meaning murder rates increased.
San Francisco vigilantes
The people of San Francisco set up vigilance groups in response.
These groups and acted justice on those who were suspected of wrongdoing outside the official judicial system.
US and town marshals
They were answerable to the president and had deputies to assist them.
They dealt with local issues.
States and counties
Territories larger than 60,000 people could become states.
In the counties with over 5000 inhabitants the sheriff was an important elected official.
Problems with the legal system
Communication was slow.
The government spent very little money on law enforcement meaning marshals, sheriffs and their deputies were badly paid.
