Contemporary crime is a complex topic covering everything from hate crime, industrial espionage, and murder to drug trafficking, international terrorism, and domestic violence. A crime is any action that has been deemed illegal and is punishable by law. Specific laws have been put in place by towns and cities, states, and countries to dissuade people from committing criminal acts. Although crime is easily recognizable, the finer points of law can...

The U.S. prison system is the largest and most innovative in the world. It boasts some of the most technologically advanced prisons in existence, meeting the highest standards in security. Inside these vast, specialized structures, containing thousands of inmates, highly trained corrections officers use technology to anticipate outbreaks of violence and to prevent riots and escape attempts. The tightly regulated prison system relies on many professionals....

Domestic crime affects more people than any other type of crime––whether it be violence in the home (both physical and psychological) or damage to property. The criminal behaviors that police and criminologists classify as domestic crime include men turning on their families and lovers; women taking revenge on former partners; a neighbor who becomes a deadly, threatening menace; a child abused to death. The high incidence of crime committed in...

Criminal trials become famous for a variety of reasons. In the 1920s the Sacco and Vanzetti trial and execution prompted demonstrations and violent riots around the globe and divided opinion in the U.S. The kidnapping of the son of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh in the 1930s similarly caused outrage and horror and led to the passing of the Federal Kidnapping Act. As for the trials of Dr. Sam Sheppard in the 1950s, it was the weakness of his alibi...

Across the globe, government intelligence agencies play a vital role in protecting nations from external and internal threats, such as terrorism, espionage, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Intelligence agencies can warn governments of impending crises, offer advance knowledge of long-term dangers, and safeguard public security against the threats from terrorists, drug traffickers, and international arms dealers. As necessary during...