Mafia and the Movies Final exam Q5-10

What important measures were introduced by the Rognoni-La Torre Law (Law 646/1982)?

- Gave a definition of the Mafia

- Introduced the crime of association and collaboration with Mafia-type organizations;

- Permitted the seizure and confiscation of items belonging to members of a Mafia-type organization

What does Italian Law 109/96 allow? Provide an example of how this law has been applied.

- A citizens' initiative

- A social reuse of assets confiscated from criminal organizations

Examples: Mobster Walter Scivanoe's villa. Which was modeled on Tony Montana's mansion from Brain De Palma's scarface, was confiscated by the authorities and converted into a clinic.

What is the core value of anti-mafia ideology?

- The values of good citizenship

- "Nine uncomfortable guidelines for the citizen who would combat the mafia": a pamphlet prepared and distributed buy the Committee of the Sheets in 1992 = citizens are not powerless

- Comitato dei lenzuoli: After the murder of Falcone some citizens hung bedsheets with anti-mafia slogan from their balconies

The protest spread and increased after the murder of Borsellino

Describe at least three of the recommendations listed in the pamphlet “Nine Uncomfortable Guidelines for the Citizen Who Would Combat the Mafia” prepared and distributed by the Committee of the Sheets in 1992.

- Educate their children in democracy and respect for the law

- Demand recognized receipts to discourage off-the-books labor

- Refuse any exchange of favors for votes

- Refuse to patronize businesses suspected of being run by the Mafia

What are the difficulties and dilemmas of anti-mafia consciousness raising?

- Anti-mafia values (good citizenship, gender equality) in tension with everyday experience in impoverished neighborhoods

- Ambiguous victimhood: People killed by the Mafia, but colluded (they weren't good people; not all victims )

Mafia widows

Businessmen who pay the pizzo (squeeze)

- Challenges faced by professionals (lawyers, doctors, priests, teachers, professors)