Rico and the Bill of Rights: An Essay on a Crumbling Utopian Deal

Abstract

In October of 1980 the United States Congress enacted the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, commonly referred to by its acronym, "RICO." RICO was the homo sapiens from what were earlier pre-historic beastly attempts under federal criminal law to quash organized crime.

Prior to RICO's enactment, Congress had found that "organized crime in the United States is a highly sophisticated activity that drains billions of dollars from America's economy." RICO was ostensibly created because the power of organized crime was growing and was beginning to infiltrate legitimate as well as illegitimate businesses.

Congress' goal in enacting RICO was to seek the eradication of organized crime . . . by establishing new penal prohibitions, and by providing enhanced sanctions and new remedies to deal with the unlawful activities of those engaged in organized crime.

Keywords: RICO