There is no use denying the fact that the modern age could be characterized by the comparatively stable crime rate (It’s not just the Mafia anymore., n.d.). The fact is that nowadays, a great deal of attention is given to the issue of criminal defense. The state tries to guarantee security to its citizens and protect them from crimes. However, the current situation is not also ideal as there are still many problems in the given sphere. Moreover, one should not forget about the organized crime. Despite the fact that RICO act had the great impact on the development of this sort of crime, there is still the necessity to struggle against it and introduce various defense practices.
First of all, it should be said that the modern criminal law is different from the law which existed in the past century. It was changed under the influence of several factors. The blistering development of the organized crime in the first half of the 20th century resulted in the corruption of almost all spheres of social life (Finklea, 2010). Citizens of the state were not protected and there was the fear of revenge and the feeling of helplessness. That is why, the changes to alter the situation were needed. To understand the nature of these changes better, it is vital to discuss the issue of the organized crime and give a clear definition.
The main difference of this sort of crime from some other kinds lies in the fact that there are certain hierarchy and organization that controls all actions of the members of this criminal group. Having the developed structure, it tries to protect itself and looks for various tools and remedies that could help to do it. It should also be said that the given structure helps a crime group to become more influential and act even at the state level. It leads to the development of corruption and lowering of the authority of power. Very often some posts could be occupied by people who work with the organized crime, protecting them. Finally, one should also remember the financial aspect of the given issue as giant companies also help organizations of this sort to launder money and obtain great incomes. The given system is very stable and it is very difficult to destroy it as there is the support from the officials and the absolute financial power.
With this in mind, realizing the great threat of the organized crime, it is vital to provide new and efficient practices that will be able to protect people and stop the development of the organizations of this sort. RICO act could be taken as the first stage of this struggle (Samaha, 2013). This document introduces some serious punishments and penalties for acts that could be taken as the part of the activity of a certain criminal organization (RICO Law, n.d). The given law is focused on racketeering which means that the organized crime could lose its financial support and power (Organised crime: strategy for the prevention and control of organised crime, n.d.). Due to this very Act a great number of various criminal groups were discovered and punished (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), n.d.).
That is why, the necessity of the further development of defensive practice becomes obvious. If a state wants to protect itself and guaranty security for the citizens, it should create new programs that will deprive criminal organizations of their power and influence, which will result in their collapse.
References
Finklea, K. (2010). Organized Crime in the United States: Trends and Issues for Congress. Web.
It’s not just the Mafia anymore. (n.d.). Web.
Organised crime: strategy for the prevention and control of organised crime. (n.d.). Web.
RICO Law. (n.d.). Web.
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).(n.d.). Web.
Samaha, J. (2013). Criminal Law. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.