NCJ Number
91296
Journal
Willamette Law Review Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1982) Pages: 1-22
Date Published
1982
Length
22 pages
Annotation
By passing the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) in 1981, Oregon has added a powerful method to its existing efforts against organized criminal activity.
Abstract
RICO is patterned after the Federal RICO and is designed to send a message to criminal enterprises that Oregon is serious about its efforts to combat and deter the incursion of organized crime. To violate RICO, a person must acquire or maintain an interest in, control of, or conduct or take part in the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity or the collection of an unlawful debt. RICO can apply to a wide range of criminal conduct because of the broad scope of the definitions of enterprise, racketeering activity, and pattern of racketeering activity. The broad range of offenses and the severity of potential penalties mean that prosecutors should choose cases carefully. In some cases, they may wish to simply charge violation of one of the underlying predicate offenses rather than bringing a RICO case, due to the additional proof required to establish a pattern of racketeering activity necessary for a RICO conviction. RICO is such as powerful statute that every effort should be made to assure its continuing availability to law enforcement officials. The law's effectiveness will largely depend on how effectively and widely the Attorney General and district attorneys take advantage of the opportunity it provides. A total of 127 reference notes are provided.