RICO provides criminal and civil sanctions for violations of existing Federal and State statutes. Civil remedies under RICO include equitable remedies as well as legal damages. Private plaintiffs pursuing a RICO remedy can use case law developed in criminal prosecutions. The elements of a RICO action are discussed in detail, along with relevant case law. Specific offenses and penalties under various sections of the statute are discussed in detail, as are defenses to a RICO action. Case law established that RICO civil claims are subject to arbitration under the provisions of the Arbitration Act. Constitutional challenges to the RICO statute are discussed, along with the positive and negative consequences of broad application of the statute by the courts and prosecutors. 230 footnotes.