In this week’s Proof Over Precedent episode, we look at civil forfeiture—law enforcement’s seizing and relinquishing of property based on probable cause in a criminal connection—and the impact it has on individuals, including innocent third-party owners. With no guaranteed right to counsel for these cases, most individuals never challenge forfeitures; the barriers are simply too high. Limited research means the practice of civil forfeiture is ripe for a study that goes beyond its impact on potential for future crime and expands to due process.
Read the corresponding blog post.
Speakers:
- Joe Liberman, J.D. candidate, Harvard Law School
- Strong Ma, J.D. candidate, Harvard Law School
Resources mentioned:
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Proof Over Precedent cover art by Courtney Chrystal