A Practice Note examining key issues counsel should consider when litigating private civil actions under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). This Note explains the basic elements of a civil RICO claim, the various types of civil RICO claims, standing and pleading requirements, damages and remedies available to civil RICO plaintiffs, common defenses, and special considerations for RICO class actions. This Note also addresses commonly invoked predicate acts in civil RICO actions, and issues relating to the extraterritorial application of the civil RICO statute.