Ohhhh I would be fascinated to see a RICO case against YC for every startup they've funded that's broken laws. That seems entirely in the spirit of RICO, the more I think about it: it's specifically about organizations that make money off of other people breaking the law at their direction, and who might otherwise avoid liability because they themselves didn't break the law.
RICO cases are limited to a small number of serious crimes, like kidnapping, extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and so on. They don't cover breaking insurance regulations.
> RICO cases are limited to a small number of serious crimes, like kidnapping, extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and so on.
Mail and wire fraud, which can include pretty much any knowing misrepresentation for commercial gain using the covered media, are among the predicate acts for RICO, along with the offenses you list.
So, it may not be as far out as you seem to think to imagine RICO applying.
Also, apparently holding Magic: The Gathering tournaments where ante is allowed falls under RICO. Sponsoring underage gambling. I recall that being used as the reason why none of the major tournaments used the ante rule - they were all afraid of being prosecuted as racketeers.
you don't seem to believe in the concept of punishment must fit the crime? There are fines for breaking certain regulations. There is a reason they are just fines and not beheadings.
you mentioned your desire to inflict disproportionate punishment. I am pointing out that there is a reason fines are levied as opposed to more severe punishments, in case of certain violations.
also, I did not say that you mentioned beheadings. I mentioned beheadings to illustrate a point.
