Divided Supreme Court rules no quick hearing required when police seize property
WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court ruled Thursday that authorities do not have to provide a quick hearing when they seize cars and other property used in drug crimes, even when the property belongs to so-called innocent owners.
By a 6-3 vote, the justices rejected the claims of two Alabama women who had to wait more than a year for their cars to be returned. Police had stopped the cars when they were being driven by other people and, after finding drugs, seized the vehicles.
Civil forfeiture allows authorities to take someone’s property, without having to prove that it has been used for illicit purposes. Critics of the practice describe it as “legalized theft.”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the conservative majority that a civil forfeiture hearing to determine whether an owner will lose the property permanently must be timely. But he said the Constitution does not also require a separate hearing about whether police may keep cars or other property in the meantime.
Related articles
- TIANJIN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- A complete hairy rhinoceros skeleton has been on display for a century a2024-05-22
Arizona lands Oakland star forward Trey Townsend out of transfer portal
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Oakland forward Trey Townsend is transferring to Arizona following a breakout r2024-05-22- An elderly couple have been left 'unable to sleep' after buying a a £600,000 new-build home which th2024-05-22
Josef Newgarden’s win in IndyCar’s season
Josef Newgarden’s win in IndyCar’s season-opening race at St. Petersburg was disqualified Wednesday2024-05-22Divided Supreme Court rules no quick hearing required when police seize property
WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court ruled Thursday that authorities do not have to provide a q2024-05-22What to listen for during Supreme Court arguments on Donald Trump and presidential immunity
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court hears arguments Thursday over whether Donald Trump is immune fro2024-05-22
atest comment