A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But a person’s property? Well, that’s a different matter.
Although there has been some fresh thinking about civil asset forfeiture of private property, the constitutional shredding continues.
Under the Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with the IRS, government agents are allowed to seize property (cash, cars, computers, etc.) from people who haven’t been convicted of anything. Those caught up in this Kafkaesque nightmare must prove their innocence.
Last year it’s estimated that Justice “oversaw” the collection of more than $1.6 billion from states participating in the civil asset forfeiture “equitable sharing” program, writes Cheryl K. Chumley for The Washington Times.
Two years ago, the IRS changed its policy. “Restructuring laws, the frequent precursor to civil asset forfeitures, could only be applied to actual criminals,” reports Ms. Chumley. But the property seizures — and the “sharing” — continue. The U.S. Marshals Service is managing seized assess totaling billions of dollars.
On this issue, the Fourth Amendment is clear: The “right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searchers and seizures, shall not be violated.”
The law is on the side of property owners. Presuming otherwise, without a trial or conviction, is thievery.
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And these demented Liberal Democrats want take away our constitutional rights and to give more corrupt power to the government. 🙁 🙁 🙁
As Judge Gingsburg said “The Constitution as written would not be accepted by todays Congress, President or Supreme Court.” In other words, the so called supreme court (Appointed by government not elected by “The People”) and other appointed judges are rewriting the Constitution by edict from the bench. I am voting against all incumbents and established “Liars, thieves and un-American, un-Constitutional politicians this election cycle. I will not vote for anyone that has been in office more than two terms or has been a part of the Obama or Clinton administration.
Thanks sarge
While i understand seizing stuff under a warrant to try and FIND evidence of guilt, if/when non is found the owner of that stuff shouldn’t have to fight a blommin war to get his or her property back…