Key problems in the West

Difficult for law enforcement to cover the large areas of the West. Many of the towns were isolated communities.

Growing unemployment and the small chance of 'striking rich' meant people would resort to desperate measures.

Everyone carried guns, and sorted out problems by using violence. In Aurora, Nevada there were 31 killings a year.

Claim jumping was a new crime when 1 man stole another's claim to land where they thought gold was. Road Agents would commit highway robbery of travellers on the roads.

Male dominated settlements were filled with alcohol, gambling and prositution. This increased violence and reduced law and order.

Crimes against the 20,000 Chinese migrants increased due to racial tension. Whites stole from them. The government and courts racially discriminated against the Chinese.

There was simply not enough law enforcement available to police the settlements. This meant that crimes went unpunished.

San Francisco's population grew from 1,000 to 25,000 and by 1851 there were rival gangs seeking to take conbtrol. This led to murder and violence.

Punishments were often fast and simple, from whipping to hanging. However, judges often knew little about law leading to problems.