Police, social workers, doctors and others are expected to protect the frail and vulnerable. But most elder abuse remains hidden -- unreported and undiscovered. Meanwhile, demographers predict a huge increase in the elderly population that will mean even more silent suffering.

The Wisconsin State Journal investigated the state's amusement ride inspection program after a teenager fell to her death in July from a thrill ride in Oshkosh.

A four-day special report. Since the early 1990s, Dane County Assistant District Attorney Paul Humphrey has been the target of claims that he misused the broad authority the law gives to prosecutors. The State Journal examined more than 2,000 pages of documents and interviewed judges, lawyers and other experts. The newspaper found documentation backing up accusations of withheld evidence, overzealous prosecutions and misleading statements made to judges.