At one point in time if a made member admitted to being a part of LCN or even the existence of LCN, that was considered "BREAKING THE CODE"
The list of wiseguys that broke the code is HUGE, just about every single wiseguy that plead out had to admit to one or the other.
At some point all the Bosses/Commission must have re-evaluated this rule and came to the conclusion that OMERTA in its original form did not make sense.
I believe this happened around the early 90's and what was once punishable by death was now accepted and in some cases insisted upon.
They are criminals but are not stupid. Everyone today know what is the mob or La Cosa Nostra and have any sense to refuse a plea and made more time in prison.
Now the code of silence is admit to be a mobster but don't betray your fellows.
