A discussion of the lack of precise definitions of organized crime notes that three categories of crime are generally included in the concept: provision of illicit services, provision of illicit goods, and the infiltration of legitimate business. A historical examination of current views of organized crime outlines the 1890 shooting of the New Orleans Superintendent of Police and its connection with the view that the mafia was linked to organized crime. An analysis of the politics involved in discussions of organized crime describes the incidents and hearings that occurred between 1950 and 1980. Events discussed include the Kefauver hearings of 1950, a 1957 incident that led to testimony before the New York State legislature, and the 1963 Senate subcommittee hearings at which Joseph Valachi testified. Also discussed are the 1980 Tieri case and further hearings regarding La Cosa Nostra. Public policy consequences of the perceived threat of a nationwide criminal conspiracy are outlined, with emphasis on Federal wiretap and immunity laws and the potential of these laws for abuse. Alternative explanations of organized crime are presented, particularly approaches based on social and economic factors. The potential of these approaches for providing a more rational and empirical view of organized crime and more effective control strategies is discussed. The book also discusses improvements in the prosecution of organized crime, the emphasis on entrapment and duress as defenses in these cases, the increasing use of incarceration, and the increasing success of prosecutions. A discussion of policy needs for the future focuses on the potential benefits or decriminalizing many offenses and on the need for efforts to eliminate the causes of organized crime. Tables, chapter reference lists, and an index are supplied.