January 24, 1994

January 24, 1994—In the first of what will be three decisions in the NOW v Scheidler lawsuit, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Racketeering and Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act can apply to “non-economic motives” for alleged racketeering activity. The ominous 9-0 decision overturns lower court rulings dismissing the case and paves the way for a trial against League Director Joe Scheidler and other defendants. Joe declares this decision will be the downfall of RICO because he is not a racketeer, no matter what NOW says.