Civil Asset Forfeiture
William Barr's Never-Ending War
Trump's nominee for attorney general is apt to encourage his worst instincts on drug policy.
Should We Be Upset If the IRS Has Been 'Gutted'?
A new report from ProPublica whitewashes the IRS, while ignoring the positive benefits of tax evasion.
Wayne County Cops Seized Her Car Over $10 Worth of Weed. Now She's Suing.
The lawsuit argues that the excessive penalty violated her Eighth Amendment rights. The Supreme Court is currently considering a similar case.
Neil Gorsuch, Civil Asset Forfeiture, and the Original Meaning of the 14th Amendment
Where does Justice Gorsuch stand on the Privileges or Immunities Clause?
Lawsuit Alleges California Cops Stole Weed and Cash During Traffic Stops
Numerous motorists say rogue cops in a small Northern California town ripped them off during bogus traffic stops.
In Rebuke to Saudis and Trump, Senate Votes to At Least Talk About Pulling U.S. Troops From Yemen: Reason Roundup
Plus: good signs in Supreme Court case on asset forfeiture and Ashley Judd talks prostitution.
Indiana Solicitor General: It's Constitutional to Seize a Car for Driving 5 MPH Over the Speed Limit
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer elicited a shocking response during Wednesday's oral argument in a big civil asset forfeiture case.
Today's Supreme Court Oral Argument in Timbs v. Indiana Suggests Justices are Likely to Apply Excessive Fines Clause to State Asset Forfeitures
The Court seems very likely to rule that the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment applies to state governments, and that at least some asset forfeitures violate the Clause. Potentially a big win for property rights and civil liberties.
Profitable Penalties Imperil Justice
The Supreme Court should make it clear that state forfeitures are constrained by the Excessive Fines Clause.
This Week, Supreme Court Will Hear an Important Case that Could Help Curb Asset Forfeiture Abuse
The case both addresses important legal issues, and could have substantial practical implications.
The 5 Worst Supreme Court Rulings of the Past 50 Years
Cases in which a majority of the Court fell down on the job.
No, Feds Can't Force Backpage Founders to Give Up Longtime Lawyers, Rules Judge
The ruling is a major win for Backpage founders James Larkin and Michael Lacey, as well as a strike against government overreach.
Philadelphia Will Dismantle Its Asset Forfeiture Program and Pay $3 Million to Victims
A legal settlement guarantees reforms to what was once one of America's most egregious asset forfeiture programs.
Police Raided Their Home and Business, Seized Their Money, and Nearly Ruined Their Lives Over Some Weed
After two years of fighting in court, a California couple is getting back $53,000 that was seized from them through asset forfeiture.
The Justice Department Didn't Charge Him With a Crime. It's Going to Take $39,000 from Him Anyway.
It's not a crime to travel with lots of cash. But you still might be treated like a criminal.
Court Decision Striking Down Albuquerque Asset Forfeiture Program Could Help Protect Property Rights Around the Country
If accepted by other courts, the judge's reasoning could curb a variety of other state and federal asset forfeiture policies that threaten the property rights of innocent people.
Federal Judge Breaks Up Albuquerque's Car Theft Ring
A new ruling says the city's civil forfeiture program violates the right to due process.
Federal Judge Rules That Albuquerque's Asset Forfeiture Created an Unconstitutional Profit Incentive
"There is a realistic possibility that forfeiture officials' judgement will be distorted by the prospect of institutional gain."
Georgia Sheriff Buys $70K Dodge Charger Hellcat With Forfeiture Funds
Now the Justice Department wants the money back, calling the purchase "extravagant."
Michigan Man Files Suit After Waiting 3 Years for a Hearing to Get His Seized Car Back
The government's definition of "prompt" is a little different from everyone else's, especially when it comes to asset forfeiture.
Police Seized Property of Close to 1,000 People in Michigan—Without Ever Convicting Them of Crimes
Thanks to a new state law, agencies now have to report how extensively civil asset forfeiture is used to take people's stuff.
Miami Police Return $20K in Glittery Cash Illegally Seized from Stripper
"I felt that the glitter on the seized cash was compelling evidence, but apparently the police department disagreed."
Supreme Court Will Hear Case on the Excessive Fines Clause that Could End Up Curbing Asset Forfeiture Abuse
The case will decide whether the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment applies to the states. If so, it will also have to address how much it restricts asset forfeiture.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Significant New Case About Civil Asset Forfeiture and the Bill of Rights
The justices will hear oral arguments next term in Timbs v. Indiana.
Hawaii Mismanaged Asset Forfeiture Program, Audit Finds
A state audit finds the Aloha State isn't keeping track of the stuff it seizes.
American Brazenly Robbed of $58,100 Life Savings by Federal Agents at Cleveland Airport
Rustem Kazazi was victimized by desperadoes from a gang called "Customs and Border Patrol," but thanks to the Institute for Justice he's fighting back.
Customs Agents Steal Money a Nurse Saved to Build a Medical Clinic in Nigeria
CBP won't return the cash unless the owner signs an illegal waiver.
Texas Town in Trouble for Spending Money Seized from Citizens on Trips, Non-Police Business
Despite the misuse, nobody involved questions that corrupt mentality that led to asset forfeiture in the first place.
Chicago Is Trying to Pay Down Its Debt by Impounding Innocent People's Cars
How a uniquely punitive city impound program combined with the drug war and asset forfeiture to deprive people of their vehicles for years at a time.
Three Years After New Mexico Banned Civil Forfeiture, Albuquerque Finally Ends It
Albuquerque tried to ignore strict new state reforms and keep seizing cars, but then it messed with the wrong person.
Troubled by Highway Seizures, Kansas Enacts Asset Forfeiture Transparency
Kansas police spend millions in asset forfeiture revenue under vague, lax laws. Now they'll have to open their books.
What Forfeiture Reforms? New Hampshire Police Bypass State Law, Keep Taking People's Stuff
The Department of Justice's loophole lets officials seize property without having to get a conviction.
Alabama Prosecutor, Sheriff Threaten to Put More People in Prison in Order to Keep Seizing Massive Amounts of Property
Lawmakers are considering long-overdue civil asset forfeiture reform, and law enforcement leaders aren't happy.
Three Years Ago, D.C. Passed Strong Transparency Laws For Asset Forfeiture. Nothing Happened.
"Without this information, we're all left in the dark."
Baltimore Cops on Trial for a Criminal Conspiracy That Looks a Lot Like Everyday Policing
Armed robbery, extortion...and keeping the money for themselves.
Alabama Raked in $2.2 Million in Civil Asset Forfeiture in 2015
A new bill introduced by state lawmakers would require a criminal conviction for the government to keep someone's property.
The Feds Are Just 'Safeguarding' Money Seized Through Asset Forfeiture and Civil Fines
U.S. prosecutors in Northern Georgia alone helped collect millions in asset forfeiture actions, civil and criminal fines last year.
Bill Introduced to Stop Civil Forfeiture Funding of DEA Marijuana Eradication Program
"DEA's use of proceeds acquired through civil asset forfeiture to expand marijuana enforcement makes the already unacceptable practice even worse."
U.S. Marshals Will Auction $52 Million of Bitcoin Seized Through Asset Forfeiture
More than 3,800 Bitcoin will be auctioned on January 22, including those taken from vendors on cryptomarkets like SilkRoad and AlphaBay.
New D.A. Larry Krasner Cleans House in Philadelphia
In his first days in office, the activist turned prosecutor has dismissed 31 career staff.
Darrell Issa Retiring from Seat He Barely Won Last Time
The congressman leaves with a mixed record.
New York Gov. Cuomo Proposes Positive Criminal Justice Reforms
Less pretrial jail, more forfeiture restrictions
Small Alabama Town Hired Cops, Judge, Prosecutor, Set Up Speed/Asset Forfeiture Trap
Motorists have found alternate routes, and now the townspeople may lose their police force.
No, Trump is Not Making Separation of Powers Great Again
He's more than happy to engage in power grabs when it helps his agenda.
Georgia Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Require Conviction for Asset Forfeiture
Georgia passed some asset forfeiture reforms in 2015. Can it join 14 other states that require a conviction before police can keep people's stuff?
