Italy currently holds the world record for the largest trial in history, with the Maxi Trial lasting from 1986 to 1992. The Sicilian Mafia, known as “Cosa Nostra” was formed in the 19th century. With hardly any police or system of authority in place, crime was rampant, and theft was an everyday occurrence. To counter the theft, a group of men formed an alliance called Cosa Nostra and would accept payments from peasants to return their stolen cattle. They were highly successful at doing this, as they returned 95% of stolen cattle, as compared to the police, at 5–10%. Due to their vengeful style of law and order, landowners and shopkeepers began paying for the Cosa Nostra to protect their property. Once Italy criminalized being a member of the mafia, the police inflicted a massive crackdown on them. Former Cosa Nostra member, Tommaso Buscetta, was arrested, and in exchange for his testimony against the Sicilian Mafia, he was granted immunity. On February 10, 1986, in a courtroom that was constructed alongside a prison in Palermo, the Maxi Trial began. A whopping 475 mafiosi were charged with various crimes, including mafia conspiracy, drug trafficking, extortion, and 120 murders. The trial concluded in 338 convictions, resulting in a total of 2,665 years imprisonment (plus life sentences imposed on 19 crime bosses), and 231 acquittals.
