The decision in Timbs v. Indiana is a significant step forward for property rights and civil liberties, though a key issue remains to be resolved by lower courts.
The Eighth Amendment prohibition against excessive fines and fees applies to states as well, SCOTUS rules, opening a new way to challenge outlandish forfeitures.
Sex, publishing, and quasi-legal theft collide in the Backpage prosecution.
"Exactly what sources and what individuals this money comes from is obscure, and it's obscure because that's the way the federal government wants it."
South Carolina would become the fourth state to abolish the practice of seizing property without a criminal conviction.
The future of civil asset forfeiture law in the United States now revolves around a single Land Rover.
"The robber didn't get anything, but the police got everything."
2018 was a mixed bag, but that means there was still a lot of good news.
Trump's nominee for attorney general is apt to encourage his worst instincts on drug policy.
A new report from ProPublica whitewashes the IRS, while ignoring the positive benefits of tax evasion.
The lawsuit argues that the excessive penalty violated her Eighth Amendment rights. The Supreme Court is currently considering a similar case.
Where does Justice Gorsuch stand on the Privileges or Immunities Clause?
Numerous motorists say rogue cops in a small Northern California town ripped them off during bogus traffic stops.
Plus: good signs in Supreme Court case on asset forfeiture and Ashley Judd talks prostitution.
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer elicited a shocking response during Wednesday's oral argument in a big civil asset forfeiture case.
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.
The Supreme Court should make it clear that state forfeitures are constrained by the Excessive Fines Clause.
The case both addresses important legal issues, and could have substantial practical implications.
Cases in which a majority of the Court fell down on the job.
The ruling is a major win for Backpage founders James Larkin and Michael Lacey, as well as a strike against government overreach.
A legal settlement guarantees reforms to what was once one of America's most egregious asset forfeiture programs.
After two years of fighting in court, a California couple is getting back $53,000 that was seized from them through asset forfeiture.
It's not a crime to travel with lots of cash. But you still might be treated like a criminal.
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.
A new ruling says the city's civil forfeiture program violates the right to due process.
"There is a realistic possibility that forfeiture officials' judgement will be distorted by the prospect of institutional gain."
Now the Justice Department wants the money back, calling the purchase "extravagant."
The government's definition of "prompt" is a little different from everyone else's, especially when it comes to asset forfeiture.
Thanks to a new state law, agencies now have to report how extensively civil asset forfeiture is used to take people's stuff.
"I felt that the glitter on the seized cash was compelling evidence, but apparently the police department disagreed."
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.
The justices will hear oral arguments next term in Timbs v. Indiana.
A state audit finds the Aloha State isn't keeping track of the stuff it seizes.
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.
CBP won't return the cash unless the owner signs an illegal waiver.
Despite the misuse, nobody involved questions that corrupt mentality that led to asset forfeiture in the first place.
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.
Albuquerque tried to ignore strict new state reforms and keep seizing cars, but then it messed with the wrong person.
Kansas police spend millions in asset forfeiture revenue under vague, lax laws. Now they'll have to open their books.
The Department of Justice's loophole lets officials seize property without having to get a conviction.
Lawmakers are considering long-overdue civil asset forfeiture reform, and law enforcement leaders aren't happy.
"Without this information, we're all left in the dark."
Armed robbery, extortion...and keeping the money for themselves.
A new bill introduced by state lawmakers would require a criminal conviction for the government to keep someone's property.
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