The text evaluates the investigation, prosecution, defense, and sentencing of organized criminals and reviews alternative futures in organized crime prevention. In addition, the text synthesizes important developments in understanding and preventing organized crime and the criminal justice system response. Organized crime is defined to include conspiracy, drug law offenses, gambling, loansharking, sex, extortion, racketeering, and violence. How organized crime is categorized under law is discussed, and individual causes of organized crime are examined. Models are presented to explain the persistence of organized crime, and the history of the Mafia is traced. Consideration is paid to organized crime investigations and to the prosecution, defense, and sentencing of organized crime suspects, defendants, and offenders. Significant issues that will influence the future of organized crime and the criminal justice system response are addressed. Critical thinking exercises are included to facilitate the systematic study of organized crime. References, tables, and photographs