Vatican City has the highest crime rate in the world with 1.5 crimes per resident, but this is due to its small population. Most crimes are committed by outsiders and are mainly pickpocketing and shoplifting. Vatican City has a special police force and no prison. Italian courts try most criminals. Vatican City had the death […]
Violent crime rates in the US are at a 40-year low, declining over 50% since the 1990s despite economic hardships. Homicide rates vary globally, with El Salvador, Honduras, and Jamaica having the highest rates. New York City’s homicide rates dropped significantly, and violent crime rates have decreased across racial and age divisions. Violent crime rates […]
The National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Washington, D.C. showcases exhibits on crime and punishment throughout history, including artifacts from notorious criminals. Visitors can participate in interactive programs, view the FBI’s Most Wanted List, and watch the filming of America’s Most Wanted in the museum’s film studio. Admission is charged as it is a […]
War crimes are crimes committed during a war by civilians or military personnel, and have been a problem throughout history. They are difficult to prosecute and prove, but violating international conventions and agreements on warfare is considered a war crime. Nations should prosecute their own war criminals, but neutral courts like The Hague can also […]
Crime scene investigators send evidence, including the victim’s body, to a crime lab for examination. Evidence is carefully packaged and handled to avoid contamination, assigned a unique identity number, and extensively photographed. The lab examines evidence for fingerprints, fibers, biological material, and weapons. The autopsy is crucial in determining the cause of death and identifying […]
In the US, crimes are divided into misdemeanors and felonies, with federal misdemeanors violating federal law. Some crimes are federal due to where they were committed, such as on federal property or across state lines. Domestic violence is a federal offense and violating a protection order can result in violating federal law. A federal offense […]
Crime Scene Examiners collect and analyze evidence from locations of illegal activities. They are usually employed by law enforcement agencies and require special training. Education requirements vary, but a degree in a related scientific discipline is often required for technical jobs. Becoming a police officer and enrolling in CSI training within the department is a […]
Crime scene training is necessary for law enforcement positions, covering academic work, investigative techniques, practical skills, and written communication. It includes biology, chemistry, and psychology, as well as mock investigations and interviews. Internships provide real-world experience, and counseling is available. Clear communication and accurate reports are crucial. The program requires focus, determination, and a strong […]
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies but can still have damaging penalties. Only the US still uses the designation. Petty crimes vary by jurisdiction and can result in fines, community service, and imprisonment. Convictions can limit job and housing options and military enlistment. Some states allow for expungement of certain misdemeanors from criminal records. In […]
Drunk driving offenses can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge, with penalties including jail time, fines, and loss of license. Repeat offenses and accidents causing injury can lead to more severe charges. Convictions can also impact career opportunities and other legal rights. The drunk driving offense is typically referred to as a drunk driving […]
Hate crimes are crimes motivated by bias or prejudice, and can include attacks based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, cultural origin, political beliefs, economic status, and disability. Hate crime legislation emerged in the 1970s, with the US leading the way. Perpetrators of hate crimes are charged with both the crime itself and the […]
Felony acts are laws that define crimes against the state and establish guidelines for criminal processes, rights, and sanctions. Examples include the War Crimes Act and Major Crimes Act in the US, and the Crimes Acts in Australia and New Zealand. These laws can undergo modifications and amendments over time. A felony act is a […]
Clearing a crime means removing it from your record, making it inaccessible to potential employers or creditors. The process involves serving your sentence, completing probation, and exhibiting good behavior. Afterward, you may need to submit a written request and attend a hearing. A judge ultimately decides whether to grant the request. It’s best to stay […]
International crime refers to atrocities committed internationally, such as genocide, war crimes, human trafficking, and crimes of aggression. International criminal law is complex, and until the 1990s, people were tried under national laws. The Rome Statute of the International Court established the first permanent international criminal court, but not all countries have joined. Genocide, war […]
Crime scene investigation involves gathering physical evidence to identify victims and suspects, determine how a crime was committed, and prepare evidence for court. The process is conducted carefully by experts in several fields, with detectives piecing together events and consulting with the CSI unit. Evidence is collected, labeled, and stored, including bodily fluids, injuries, clothing […]
Crime scene cleaners handle hazardous substances safely and clean up crime scenes, including violent crimes, drug manufacturing, and biological contamination. They receive special training and can earn high salaries. The job requires physical conditioning and a strong stomach. They may also clean “garbage houses” and provide psychological support to families. The job involves irregular and […]
Juvenile records can be expunged or sealed to give minors a chance to enter adulthood without the burden of a criminal record. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed, and not all offenses can be eliminated. Sealing a record is different from forgiveness or erasure, and there may be fees and […]
Aggravated felonies in the US include serious crimes such as rape, murder, and drug or human trafficking, carrying harsh penalties like long prison sentences, loss of rights, and deportation for immigrants. Other crimes that can be considered aggravated felonies include fraud, forgery, prostitution, and failing to appear in court. Immigrants convicted of aggravated felonies may […]
Crime victims should report the crime to authorities, cope with post-crime emotions through support groups and counseling, and decline media interviews if uncomfortable. Failure to report a crime allows the criminal to get away with it and may lead to further victimization. Victims have the right to grieve and should seek emotional support. Some of […]
The term “felony against nature” was used in the US in the 1800s to refer to sexual practices considered “against nature.” Bestiality, oral sex, and homosexual activity were included. The concept was declared unconstitutional in 2003, but some states still have laws using this phrase. The laws were often enforced unevenly and could be used […]
