Crime & Crime Prevention

Inmates have been using cigarettes as currency for more than a century in U.S. prisons. So what's behind the switch to ramen cups at one prison?

By Robert Lamb

Let it be know that using illegal drugs in any foreign country almost certainly comes with it's own set of potential risks. However, narcotics offenders in some countries face much steeper fines, longer prison stays and, in some cases, a more brutal death sentence if they're caught. So if you happen to visit any of [...] The post 11 Countries That Impose Severely Harsh Drug Penalties appeared first on Goliath.

By Wes Walcott

From 2011 to 2013, California released 33,000 prisoners early. One study measures the impact non-violent prisoner "realignment" has had on crimes rates in the state.

By Chris Opfer

As much as we all want to believe that law enforcement officials are always the good guys who will do whatever they can to serve and protect the community, there have been a number of cases over the decades and in recent years that demonstrate exactly the opposite. Below you'll find examples of several police [...] The post 7 Cops Who Turned Out To Be Serial Killers appeared first on Goliath.

By Wes Walcott

We explore the economics and ethics of prison-made goods.

By Dave Roos

Being a criminal is certainly not an easy life, and, as a result, some people aren't suited for a career of misdeeds. Most people avoid it because they have a strong moral compass, while others are drawn to or forced into this lifestyle, but are simply too stupid to pull off illegal acts successfully. The [...] The post 10 Of The Stupidest Criminals Of All Time appeared first on Goliath.

By Kale Havervold

Even though they wear thousand dollar suits, sit behind expensive desks and make ridiculous money, rich businessmen can still be criminals and steal your money. White collar crime is a type of crime that has been taking place for decades and still runs rampant in the modern day. Some of the people that will appear on [...] The post 10 Of The Worst White Collar Criminals In History appeared first on Goliath.

By Kale Havervold

Americans have a macabre fascination with serial killers. And it's particularly engrossing to speculate about the ones still at large. Here are the stories behind 10 serial killers who got away.

By Suzie Dundas & Nick Steinberg

These prisons house some of the world's most notorious criminals. But battles rage behind their walls, oftentimes leaving inmates susceptible to torture, disease and even death. These are some of the worst prisons on the planet.

By Cherise Threewitt, Rachel Despres & Nicole Antonio

This tragic cold case occurred during the Eisenhower administration, but was not solved until the Obama administration. Why did it take 55 years, and what finally cracked it?

By Alia Hoyt

Breaking out of a prison is no easy feat. Many prisons have security features such as CCTV, motion detectors, barred windows, massive walls, barbed wire, electric fencing, and armed guards. Despite these and other obstacles, some prisoners will exhaust the limits of their wit and ingenuity and take every opportunity they can to escape. Prison [...] The post 10 Real-Life Prison Breaks That Will Blow Your Mind appeared first on Goliath.

By Kevin Saltarelli

Since the dawn of human civilization, rulers have had to devise punishments for unacceptable behavior. Sincere attempts were occasionally made to ensure that the punishment fit the crime, like the concept of an Eye for an Eye. By contrast, the word "Draconian," attributed to the ruler Draco of ancient Athens around 621 BC, is synonymous [...] The post 12 Shocking Punishments For Minor Crimes appeared first on Goliath.

By Kevin Saltarelli

Ever wonder why you've been called for jury duty four times while your friend has never got a summons? Are you on some secret list of the "ready and available"? We'll give you the scoop.

By Dave Roos

Few incidents shaped the U.S. civil rights movement more than the brutal death of Emmett Till. What other murders have sent shock waves through the public psyche?

By Gallagher Flinn

When most people think of the words "wine" and "toilet," they're probably not thinking about a fermentation strategy. But as countless prisoners over the years have discovered, when it comes to alcohol, if there's a will, there's a way.

By Laurie L. Dove

It could happen: As you're rushing to get to the airport, you absentmindedly throw a gassed-up chain saw into your suitcase. Or a bag of live eels. Yes, TSA officials really spotted these items at U.S. airports. And stranger things, too.

By Dave Roos

There are people willing to sneak grimy, dirty classified files and documents from under lock and key and into the disinfecting power of sunlight. Here are 10 people who went public with stories of hidden corruption.

By Nathan Chandler

In the park. On the bus. At the mall. At your job. Is there any place you can go and not be watched? After reading this article, you may agree the answer is "no."

By Laurie L. Dove

Masked crime fighters aren't just the stuff of Marvel and DC comics and films. These characters may not have superpowers, but they feel the call to keep citizens safe and serve their communities.

By Maria Trimarchi

If you need an analogy for PRISM, one apt comparison would be to HBO's show "The Wire." Just swap "U.S. government" for Baltimore police, "Internet data" for phone wiretaps, and name the target as "really anyone" instead of drug traffickers. Got it?

By Kate Kershner

The U.S. was quick to denounce 9/11 as an act of terrorism. Drawing the line between mass murder and terrorism isn't always that straightforward though.

By Kate Kershner

Sometimes the search for a fugitive can occupy a city. Other times, the hunt is fierce enough to dominate a nation, or even several countries. Which criminals can claim they spurred some of the craziest manhunts ever?

By Laurie L. Dove

The Brady bill of 1993 established mandatory background checks for firearms purchases. But that only applies to Federal Firearms Licensees, not to private sellers. What's involved in a background check - and would expanding them lessen gun crime?

By Julia Layton

You've heard the stat reported by the Mother Jones team: Since 1982, there have been 62 mass shootings in America, crimes like the one that James Holmes is accused of. Only one of those shootings was carried out by a woman. Why?

By Kate Kershner

Most people sentenced to death in the U.S. get at least one stay of execution. In one case, the stay came a minute too late because of a misdialed phone number. Here are 10 of the most unusual cases.

By Patrick J. Kiger