Learn more about different types of government, politics and civic issues. Resources on different government agencies, citizenship, copyright and intellectual property, crime and legal system, elections and voting, emergency services and privacy concerns.
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2008
- Why was tax evasion the only thing pinned on Al Capone?
Al Capone is one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. He ruled the streets of Chicago with an iron fist, so how did a paper trail to tax evasion bring him down?
- Is D.B. Cooper still alive?
It's one of the biggest unsolved crimes in U.S. history: How did a mild-mannered man single-handedly hijack a plane and make off with $200,000 in cash? Could he still be alive?
- How Jack the Ripper Worked
Jack the Ripper was a brutal serial killer who haunted the West End of London in 1888. Read about Jack the Ripper and his bloody killing spree.
- Quiz Yourself: Mafia
Think you know everything about the mafia and organized crime? Test your knowledge of the mafia with our mafia quiz.
- 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 many more that fail horribly.
- 5 Impressive Art Heists
While not every art heist can compare to the "Thomas Crown Affair," several jobs stand out for their ingenuity. How does a thief walk away with a multimillion dollar work of art?
- 6 of the World's Greatest Missing Treasures
It seems impossible to lose something so valuable, but it has been done -- more than once. See our list of the world's greatest missing treasures, including The Amber Room and Pharaohs' Missing Treasure.
- 7 Notorious Art Thefts
Such famous artworks as 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Scream' have been stolen and returned; some have never been found. Art burglars either keep the artwork for themselves, or try to ransom it back to the original owner. Learn about 7 notorious art thefts.
- Nine of History's Coldest Cases
From the Zodiac killer to Jack the Ripper, many disturbed criminals have never been caught. These crimes became well-known in history because the crimes remain unsolved and the case technically remains open. Read about 9 of history's coldest cases
- 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?
- 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.
- 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?
- How Pickpockets Work
Practiced pickpockets are nimble and intelligent -- and they look just like everyone else. You'll be amazed to learn how easily they could take your hard-earned dollars without you even knowing 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.
- 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.
- Why would a person make a false confession to a crime?
In August 2006, John Mark Karr confessed to the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. But some wondered whether the confession was accurate. Learn why people might confess to a crime that they didn't do.
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- Geography & Maps Guide
Geography is the study of the Earth's contours and regions, including man-made divisions. Find interactive maps, articles and video about all of the major continents, the world's oceans and other physical features.
- United States History Guide
Explore the exciting and colorful development of the United States with this collection of resources about American history. Topics in this section include the American Revolution, the gold rush expansion of the West and the World Wars.