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Discrimitions Of Organized Crime : The Definition Of Organized Crime

Decent Essays

The first thing is to look at the definition of organized crime. “Definition of organized crime: a group of professional criminals who work together as part of a powerful and secret organization” (Webster, M, 2017). Professionals not the first word you think of when crime is used. It wasn’t a 9 to 5 job, but they have an organization like a business. From bosses down to the common workers. “Boss, Consigliere (Counselor), Underboss, Caporegime (Lieutenant), Caporegime (Lieutenant), Caporegime (Lieutenant), Caporegime (Lieutenant), Caporegime (Lieutenant), Soldiers (Members grouped under Lieutenants)” (Schmalleger, pg. 352). The text book defines it differently. “Organized crime specifically refers to unlawful activities of the members of a highly organized, disciplined association engaged in supplying illegal goods and services, including prostitution, gambling, loan-sharking, narcotics, and labor racketeering” (Schmalleger, pg. 352). Both point out that crime, or criminal activity is involved. The book definition covers a variety of offences. The question is when did it come into existence? “Organized crime can be traced back to the street gangs of the 1800s. Notorious groups such as the Forty Thieves in New York formed as hundreds of immigrants came together for their own protection and financial gain. Although the Forty Thieves were prosperous, by the 1850s, the group had dissolved. Organized crime groups continued to flourish over the next few decades, but the most notable example came from the Italian-Americans who formed the Mafia, or The American Cosa Nostra” (Museum, C, n.d.). “The American Mafia, an Italian-American organized-crime network with operations in cities across the United States, particularly New York and Chicago, rose to power through its success in the illicit liquor trade during the 1920s Prohibition era. After Prohibition, the Mafia moved into other criminal ventures, from drug trafficking to illegal gambling, while also infiltrating labor unions and legitimate businesses such as construction and New York’s garment industry” (Staff, H, 2009). A group of induvials formed the Mafia. A word most have heard, maybe seen it in the media John Gotti, or even the movies The

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