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Most recently published stories in Criminal.
A Filmmaker’s Review: 'Zodiac' (2007)
Zodiac (2007) is always a movie I have considered strange in the thriller genre because it is based entirely off true events. But then again some aspects and coincidences in the movie make some sections slightly unbelievable. Sometimes misleading in its approach and confusing in its outlook, Zodiac (2007) is a good film to enjoy, but not to think about too much. I believe that Zodiac (2007) is one of those films that when you watch it once, it has an effect but afterwards it tends to lose meaning a bit. Since I watched it three times, I can tell you that in my case, that is what happened.
By Annie Kapur6 years ago in Criminal
A Filmmaker's Review: 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.' (2007)
The very first time I watched The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (shortened to simply "Jesse James" for the sake of the article and my own fingers on this keyboard), I remember being impressed. It was either because I was genuinely enjoying myself or because I was about 14 at the time. Both are acceptable as an excuse. A beautiful movie with an absolutely stellar cast (including the likes of Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Sam Shephard and Sam Rockwell), it seems to be a bit of both excuses that contribute. Let's take a look at why I rated this film upon second watch, the way I did.
By Annie Kapur6 years ago in Criminal
Broken Windows Theory. Top Story - November 2019.
In the 1980s crime in New York City had reached almost epidemic proportions. Apparently, New York was suffering by increased immigration and as a result a much younger population and, added to that, New Yorkers were hit hard by welfare cuts. It wasn’t safe to travel the subway and you would be advised not to go to certain areas, particularly after dark. Yet, by the end of the 1990s the city had cleaned up its act and saw a dramatic fall in the rate of crime.
By Charles Leon6 years ago in Criminal
Norman Mailer, Jack Henry Abbott and the Pesky Beast Belly
In addition to being a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Norman Mailer was an attempted murderer who used a a penknife to stab his wife, Adele Morales, in 1960. This resulted in him being involuntarily committed to Bellevue Hospital for 17 days, and also three-years' probation. In other words, he had a criminal history. This may be why he empathized with Jack Henry Abbott. Mailer helped publish Abbott's 1981 memoir, In the Belly of the Beast, collected from their correspondences as Abbott served time. Though Abbott had been found guilty of forgery, bank robbery and murdering another inmate, Mailer thought he had potential as a great writer. As it turned out, In the Belly of the Beast would make Abbott a one-hit wonder. Not only was his followup sort of a flop, but Abbott foolishly threw it all away not long after being freed in June of 81.
By Wade Wainio6 years ago in Criminal
What Caused Amber Guyger's Conviction?
It’s easy to understand our current situation. In the United States, African Americans are three times more likely to be killed by police officers than white people (Mapping Police Violence). Additionally, said offending officers are rarely indicted—and when they are, their sentences are less than favorable. Out of 98 non-federal law enforcement officer arrests, only 35 had been convicted of a crime involving fatal, on-duty shootings since 2005. (Ross, para. 8). The case of Amber Guyger, however, proves to be an exception.
By Jasmine Smoot-Leyva6 years ago in Criminal
Child or Not?
I'm sure you have seen the news about Natalia and how there is a big debate about whether she is a teenager or a grown woman. Before I saw The Dr. Phil Show I kept flipping over in my mind; she's a child, not an adult. After watching Dr. Phil, I still keep arguing with myself. I don't understand how a 16-year-old girl could say she's never had a period; that seems a little odd to me. Could any conditions delay puberty by that much? It seemed to me when doctor Phil asked about her previous families, Natalia was maybe willfully holding back specific details. Like when her former foster mother said she couldn't do it anymore after Natalia broke her siblings' arm. It would seem to me that maybe she does have past of aggression, and perhaps that's why she could not make it work with other families. I felt that Natalia looked older than 16 in presenting herself older than 16. Now I know that some teenagers appear to be older than they are because of life experiences. Still, there's usually a personality flaw that tells their age. And I did not see that in Natalia's case, but I am no expert by any means. I think perhaps Natalia's appearance may have hurt her in the long run on The Dr. Phil Show.
By Yvonne Knight6 years ago in Criminal
The New York Adventures of the Bulletproof Suit
"Toni Cipriani receives a suit in a care package delivered by a drone of some kind. The gangster never fully embraced technology. Toni Cipriani opens the package with skepticism. A tailored suit with the inscription "bulletproof in times of need." A custom two-toned ski mask with a large letter "T" outlined the mobster's suit. Packing MP5 clips and as many armor-piercing shotgun rounds as possible into a duffel bag. The ideal battle format for Toni Cipriani as he loaded up his black matted sports car was simple: engage the federal agent targets and flush the streets with bullets."
By LUiS Wrote THiS UNiVERSE6 years ago in Criminal
How to Scare Burglars
The number of US homes burglarized over the past decade has declined by more than 30 percent, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Nonetheless, burglary remains a concern for millions of homeowners. If someone breaks into your home, he or she may steal valuable items while vandalizing and destroying your home in the process. You can scare off burglars and protect your home from criminal mischief, however, in the following ways.
By Veronica Bohnert6 years ago in Criminal
This Is How Many Private Prisons Exist in the US
If you Google the phrase "private prisons," a lot will come up. You can read news articles for days. People for and against these private prisons have made sure the topic stays in the news cycle. And it definitely has stayed in the news. The topic of private prisons can be confusing and overwhelming, and if you are someone who doesn't know a lot about private prisons or how they are funded/run, you may be wondering, "are there really that many private prisons and prisoners in the US that this should be such a big issue?"
By Pam Jannes6 years ago in Criminal
Traffic Ticket and Traffic Laws: A Closer Look
Violation of traffic laws and receiving a traffic ticket has become a day to day phenomenon for a regular driver. We have become so habituated to the present traffic regulation that we hardly pay heed to what lies in the more in-depth segment. Traffic Violation is the most common offence, people commit against the state as described by traffic violation lawyers. It not only shows their lackadaisical approach towards the sanctity of the law but also their reckless behaviour towards their lot.
By Kennedy William6 years ago in Criminal
