Key to the concept of Omerta is that any member of the organization must maintain absolute silence when questioned by law enforcement on the subject of alleged illegal activities by other members of the organization. This can result in one member "taking the fall" for others, facing criminal contempt of court charges or even taking sole responsibility for a crime that others committed. He does this with the assurance that he and his family will be supported by the organization during and after his imprisonment.
They were able to make charges stick on one of them, but he wouldn't talk -- omerta. He did six months, and now he works at Tony's restaurant.
by Barbiste April 30, 2004
by killerphuk June 17, 2009
"Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool, or a coward. Whoever can not take care of himself without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, "If i live, i will kill you, if i die, you are forgiven", such is the rule, of Omerta"
by -SMS- January 14, 2008
When someone asks you a question that there is no way they will get the answer from you, you say 'omerta'.
by SpecialK October 31, 2004
A code of ethics that began in Sicily that a mafioso follows when he swears into La Cosa Nostra. Generally pertaining to personal and family honor, and self rule without government intervention.
by taylor October 14, 2003
At once no one with any real knowledge of the mafia said anything of the mafia under a rule known as Omerta. Today, new school mafioso's sometimes flaunt their connections, but still follow a semblance of the old rule of silence, Omerta Lite, which is a code of honor that places importance on silence about anything that can get one convicted, non-cooperation with authorities, and non-interference in the illegal actions of others. It differs from Omerta only in that it is not complete silence on the existence of the mafia.
by Droitduseigneiur September 01, 2018