Editing Mafia (section)

==Structure and composition==
''Cosa Nostra'' is not a monolithic organization, but rather a loose confederation of about one hundred groups known alternately as "families", ''"[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosca cosche]"'', ''"borgatas"'' or "clans" (despite the name, their members are generally not related by blood), each of which claims sovereignty over a territory, usually a town or village or a neighborhood of a larger city, though without ever fully conquering and legitimizing its monopoly of violence. For many years, the power apparatuses of the single families were the sole ruling bodies within the two associations, and they have remained the real centers of power even after superordinate bodies were created in the ''Cosa Nostra'' beginning in the late 1950s (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia_Commission Sicilian Mafia Commission]).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-paoli_94-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-paoli-94 [94]]</sup>

Today, according to the Chief Prosecutor of Palermo, Francesco Messineo, there are 94 Mafia clans in Sicily subject to 29 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandamento mandamenti],<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rep200710_95-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-rep200710-95 [95]]</sup> with a total of at least 3,500 to 4,000 full members.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-paoli32_96-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-paoli32-96 [96]]</sup> Most are based in western Sicily, almost half of them in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Palermo province of Palermo].<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-3">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup>
===Clan hierarchy===
In 1984, the mafioso informant [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommaso_Buscetta Tommaso Buscetta] explained to prosecutors the command structure of a typical clan.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-4">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup> A clan is led by a "boss" (''capofamiglia'' or ''rappresentante''), who is aided by an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underboss underboss] (''capo bastone'' or ''sotto capo'') and supervised by one or more advisers (''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consigliere consigliere]''). Under his command are groups (''decina'') of about ten "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldato soldiers]" (''soldati'', ''operai'', or ''picciotti''). Each ''decina'' is led by a ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capodecina capodecina]''.

The actual structure of any given clan can vary. Despite the name ''decina'', they do not necessarily have ten soldiers, but can have anything from five to thirty.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-97 [97]]</sup> Some clans are so small that they don't even have decinas and capodecinas, and even in large clans certain soldiers may report directly to the boss.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-98 [98]]</sup>

The boss of a clan is typically elected by the rank-and-file soldiers (though [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#Violent_successions violent successions] do happen). Due to the small size of most Sicilian clans, the boss of a clan has intimate contact with all members, and doesn't receive much in the way of privileges or rewards as he would in larger organizations (such as the larger [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Families Five Families] of New York).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-99 [99]]</sup> His tenure is also frequently short: elections are yearly, and he might be deposed sooner for misconduct or incompetence.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-100 [100]]</sup>

The underboss is usually appointed by the boss. He is the boss' most trusted right-hand man and second-in-command. If the boss is killed or imprisoned, he takes over as leader.

The ''consigliere'' ("counselor") of the clan is also elected on a yearly basis. One of his jobs is to supervise the actions of the boss and his immediate underlings, particularly in financial matters (e.g. preventing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embezzlement embezzlement]).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-101 [101]]</sup> He also serves as an impartial adviser to the boss and mediator in internal disputes. To fulfill this role, the ''consigliere'' must be impartial, devoid of conflict of interest and ambition.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-102 [102]]</sup>

Other than its members, ''Cosa Nostra'' makes extensive use of "associates". These are people who work for or aid a clan (or even multiple clans) but are not treated as true members. These include corrupt officials and prospective mafiosi. An associate is considered by the mafiosi nothing more than a tool, someone that they can "use", or "nothing mixed with nil."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-5">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup>

The media has often made reference to a "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capo_di_tutti_capi capo di tutti capi]" or "boss of bosses" that allegedly "commands all of Cosa Nostra". [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calogero_Vizzini Calogero Vizzini], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvatore_Riina Salvatore Riina], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernardo_Provenzano Bernardo Provenzano] were especially influential bosses who have each been described by the media and law enforcement as being the "boss of bosses" of their times. While a powerful boss may exert great influence over his neighbors, the position does not formally exist, according to Mafia turncoats such as Buscetta.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-103 [103]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-binnu_104-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-binnu-104 [104]]</sup> According to Mafia historian Salvatore Lupo "the emphasis of the media on the definition of a 'capo di tutti capi' is without any foundation".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-binnu_104-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-binnu-104 [104]]</sup>
===Membership===
Membership in ''Cosa Nostra'' is open only to Sicilian men. A candidate cannot be a relative or have any close links with a lawman, such as a policeman or a judge. There is no strict age limit: boys as young as sixteen have been initiated.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup> A prospective mafioso is carefully tested for obedience, discretion, courage, ruthlessness and skill at espionage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-6">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup> He is almost always required to commit murder as his ultimate trial,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-7">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup> even if he doesn't plan to be a career assassin. The act of murder is to prove his sincerity (i.e. he is not an undercover policeman) and to bind him into silence (i.e. he cannot break [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#Omert.C3.A0 ''omertà''] without facing murder charges himself).

To be part of the Mafia is highly desirable for many street criminals. For one, mafiosi receive a great deal of respect, for everyone knows that to offend a mafioso is to risk lethal retribution from him or his colleagues. Mafiosi have an easier time getting away with crimes, negotiating deals, and demanding privileges. A full member also gains more freedom to participate in certain rackets which the Mafia controls (particularly protection racketeering).

Traditionally, only men can become mafiosi, though in recent times there have been reports of women assuming the responsibilities of imprisoned mafiosi relatives.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-106 [106]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-107 [107]]</sup>

Although clans are also called "families", their members are usually not related by blood. The Mafia actually has rules designed to prevent nepotism. Membership and rank in the Mafia are not hereditary. Most new bosses are not related to their predecessor. The Commission forbids relatives from holding positions in inter-clan bodies at the same time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-108 [108]]</sup> That said, mafiosi frequently bring their sons into the trade. They have an easier time entering, because the son bears his father's seal of approval and is familiar with the traditions and requirements of ''Cosa Nostra''.

A mafioso's legitimate occupation, if he has any, generally does not affect his prestige within ''Cosa Nostra''.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GambettaTheSicilianMafia_109-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-GambettaTheSicilianMafia-109 [109]]</sup> Historically, most mafiosi were employed in menial jobs, and many bosses did not work at all.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GambettaTheSicilianMafia_109-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-GambettaTheSicilianMafia-109 [109]]</sup> Professionals such as lawyers and doctors do exist within the organization, and are employed according to whatever useful skills they have.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-2">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup>
===Commission===
Main article: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia_Commission Sicilian Mafia Commission]Since the 1950s, the Mafia has maintained multiple commissions to resolve disputes and promote cooperation among clans. Each province of Sicily has its own Commission. Clans are organized into districts (''mandamenti'') of three or four geographically adjacent clans. Each district elects a representative (''capo mandamento'') to sit on its Provincial Commission.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Paoli._p._53_110-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Paoli._p._53-110 [110]]</sup>

Contrary to popular belief, the commissions do not serve as a centralized government for the Mafia. The power of the commissions are limited and clans are autonomous and independent. Rather, each Commission serves as a representative mechanism for consultation of independent clans who decide by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consensus consensus]. "Contrary to the wide-spread image presented by the media, these superordinate bodies of coordination cannot be compared with the executive boards of major legal firms. Their power is intentionally limited. And it would be entirely wrong to see in the ''Cosa Nostra'' a centrally managed, internationally active Mafia holding company," according to criminologist Letizia Paoli.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mpr0204_111-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-mpr0204-111 [111]]</sup>

A major function of the Commission is to regulate the use of violence.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Paoli._p._53_110-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Paoli._p._53-110 [110]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TheSicilianMafia114_112-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-TheSicilianMafia114-112 [112]]</sup> For instance, a mafioso who wants to commit a murder in another clan's territory must ask the permission of the local boss; the commission enforces this rule.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TheSicilianMafia114_112-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-TheSicilianMafia114-112 [112]]</sup> Any murder of a mafioso or prominent individual (police, lawyers, politicians, journalists, etc.) must be approved by the commission.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-113 [113]]</sup> Such acts can potentially upset other clans and spark a war, so the Commission provides a means by which to obtain their approval.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-114 [114]]</sup>

The Commission also deals with matters of succession. When a boss dies or retires, his clan's reputation often crumbles with his departure. This can cause clients to abandon the clan and turn to neighboring clans for protection. These clans would grow greatly in status and power relative to their rivals, potentially destabilizing the region and precipitating war.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TheSicilianMafia115_115-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-TheSicilianMafia115-115 [115]]</sup> The Commission may choose to divide up the clan's territory and members among its neighbors. Alternatively, the commission has the power to appoint a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regent regent] for the clan until it can elect a new boss.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TheSicilianMafia115_115-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-TheSicilianMafia115-115 [115]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-116 [116]]</sup>