What must be proven about an enterprise for RICO cases?

For a case to be prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, it is essential to demonstrate that the enterprise in question affects interstate commerce. This requirement is crucial because the RICO statute is designed to tackle organized crime by addressing illegal activities that cross state boundaries or have a substantial impact on interstate commerce. Such a connection to interstate commerce allows federal authorities to intervene, as it falls under their jurisdiction.

The rationale behind this requirement stems from the need to address organized crime's broader implications that threaten national security or the economy, rather than focusing solely on localized criminal activities. Hence, proving that the enterprise has an effect on interstate commerce is a foundational aspect of establishing a RICO case. This understanding lays the groundwork for comprehending the framework of RICO and its application to various forms of organized criminal conduct.