By Associated Press
What is racketeering conspiracy?
The most serious charge in this case, it alleges that Combs ran a criminal enterprise for two decades that relied on bodyguards, household staff, personal assistants and others in his orbit to facilitate and cover up crimes.
It’s commonly used to tackle organized crime, with prosecutors using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act, or RICO, to take on the Mafia in the 1970s.
To prove the charge, prosecutors must show that an enterprise existed and was involved in a pattern of racketeering activity. In this case, the alleged activity includes kidnapping, arson, bribery and sex trafficking.
What is a partial verdict?
The panel of eight men and four women said in a note that “unpersuadable” views on both sides kept them from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering charge. The jury has made a decision on the other charges, however that remains under wraps.