It also reviews alternative futures in the prevention of organized crime. The historical analysis considers whether or not a "mafia" was imported to North America from Italy, whether or not a nationwide conspiracy of organized criminals now exists, and the nature and results of the two Presidential investigations of organized crime in the last 20 years. Three paradigms of organized crime are also examined: organized crime as a nationwide conspiracy; organized crime as local, ethnic groups; and organized crime as enterprise. The investigative and prosecution tools that are available to combat organized crime are evaluated, and criminal defenses often used in cases of suspected organized criminal activity are examined. The actual sentences imposed on convicted organized crime figures are reviewed as the basis of an assessment of trends in recent years. A concluding analysis of prevention strategies emphasizes that different strategies are required to combat the two main forms of organized crime: the provision of illicit goods and services and the infiltration of legitimate business. Chapter references, tables, and index.