Asset Forfeiture
A History of Civil Asset Forfeiture in America
by Brittany Hunter Civil asset forfeiture has become a widely-recognized term, largely because of the long train of abuses that has been brought to the public’s attention over the last several years. Though few actually know from whence this practice originated, many...
Police Opposition to Asset Forfeiture Reform Reveals it’s All About the Money
Heavy police opposition to asset forfeiture restrictions in Minnesota is revealing, and shows the kind of pushback that happens in every state considering reform. Last month, a Minnesota House committee passed a bill that would reform asset forfeiture laws to prohibit...
Jeff Sessions Endorses Theft
Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently ordered the Justice Department to increase the use of civil asset forfeiture, thus once again endorsing an unconstitutional, authoritarian, and increasingly unpopular policy. Civil asset forfeiture, which should be called civil...
States Can Thwart New DOJ Asset Forfeiture Policy
Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to ramp up federal asset forfeiture. State action – – or more accurately inaction – – can stop him. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a policy directive on federal asset forfeiture...