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Crime and Crime Prevention is a challenge for every government and society. Learn more about how governments deal with crime, criminals and crime prevention.

How Serial Killers Work

Featured Article: How Serial Killers Work

What makes a person not only murder, but murder multiple people over days, weeks and even years? There's a special name for these types of murderers: serial killers. See more »

10 Terribly Bungled Crimes

10 Terribly Bungled Crimes

Every once in a while, we read about an amazing heist that required skill, cunning and thought. But for every one of those, there are those that fail horribly.

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5 Impressive Art Heists

5 Impressive Art Heists

While not every heist can compare to the "Thomas Crown Affair," several jobs stand out for their ingenuity. How does a thief walk off with a work of art?

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5 Largest Diamond Heists

5 Largest Diamond Heists

A diamond heist is no mere robbery. It's a feat of patience and engineering that yields enormous payouts. So what are the five largest heists?

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Breaking Out: A Dozen Great Escapes

Breaking Out: A Dozen Great Escapes

The TV show "Prison Break" is the story of a structural engineer named Michael Scofield who gets himself locked up so that he can help his brother escape death row. Learn about some amazing real-life escapes.

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Do criminal psychopaths enjoy other people's fear or just not notice it?

Do criminal psychopaths enjoy other people's fear or just not notice it?

Psychopaths can commit horrible crimes without feeling any guilt at all. A recent study of psychopathic brains may shed some light on what's going on -- or not going on -- in these people's heads.

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How could someone steal a painting from a museum?

How could someone steal a painting from a museum?

With modern security, how can thieves walk out of a museum with millions of dollars worth of art? It usually just takes force and a little bravado.

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How Criminal Recycling Works

How Criminal Recycling Works

There's a growing band of lawbreakers in town tarnishing recycling's squeaky green reputation. Who are these criminals, and why are they desperate for copper?

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How Diamond Thieves Work

How Diamond Thieves Work

Diamond thieves can be clever criminals who orchestrate multimillion-dollar heists or small-time jewelers who switch the real thing for fakes. What makes stealing a diamond so attractive?

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How do you keep a safe house safe?

How do you keep a safe house safe?

Maybe you're an escaped criminal or an undercover spy. You're someone who needs to stay under the radar. What you need is a safe house.

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How Lethal Injection Works

How Lethal Injection Works

Lethal injection is not a light topic, but it's the subject of much debate. Find out about the various procedures.

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How Pirates Work

How Pirates Work

Aye, matey! Hold on to your peg leg as we look at how pirates work, whether they're robbing and plundering in the 17th century or the 21st. We�ll look at past and present definitions of piracy, the laws that deal with them, and some special pira

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How Prisons Work

How Prisons Work

As an abstract term, prison is quite simple, but for anyone who has ever done time, it's incredibly complex. Learn what life is like inside prisons in the United States.

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How Serial Killers Work

How Serial Killers Work

What makes a person not only murder, but murder multiple people over days, weeks and even years? There's a special name for these types of murderers: serial killers.

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How the Future Crime Database Will Work

How the Future Crime Database Will Work

The police knock on your door, and a knot forms in your stomach when you're told the reason for the handcuffs: You're being arrested for a crime you haven't committed -- yet.

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How the Judicial System Works

How the Judicial System Works

The United States is renowned for having one of the most sophisticated judicial systems in the world. Every day thousands of people take part in this system, hoping to settle disputes and work for justice. Learn how the U.S. judicial system works.

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How U.S. Criminal Records Work

How U.S. Criminal Records Work

Does the mere mention of a criminal record invoke thoughts of something sinister to you? As it turns out, having a criminal record in the United States isn't as uncommon as it once was.

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How Virtual Crime Scenes Work

How Virtual Crime Scenes Work

Today, some police forces are using virtual reality technology to capture and re-create crime scenes digitally. They've discovered that, if used properly, virtual environments help the investigation process from its earliest stages all the way to a conviction.

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How Witness Protection Works

How Witness Protection Works

The Federal Witness Security Program protects crucial witnesses. How do you erase one identity and create a whole new one? Find out how the Witness Security Program "relocates" witnesses and their families.

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If I'm on a cruise ship, what laws do I have to adhere to?

If I'm on a cruise ship, what laws do I have to adhere to?

Because of the murkiness of maritime law, it's hard to pursue crimes committed on cruise ships. What makes it so easy to get away with a crime on the high seas?

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Judicial System Quiz

Judicial System Quiz

The United States has one of the most sophisticated judicial systems in the world. Every day, courts across the country hear thousands of cases and make important rulings. Find out with the judicial system quiz.

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