Abstract
Civil asset forfeiture laws provide law enforcement agencies with the power to seize property and money connected to illegal activity. Over the last forty years, the system has grown exponentially and now constitutes a significant source of funding for law enforcement operations. Without adequate safeguards, however, citizens are at risk of losing their property to overzealous police forces motivated more by the prospect of forfeiture proceeds than a desire to enforce laws and protect society. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 attempted to level the playing field between law enforcement and property owners. Unfortunately, it has failed and further reform is needed at both the federal and state levels. The Note examines the dangers created by the current civil asset forfeiture program and proposes changes necessary to create a fairer process.
How to Cite
51 Ariz. L. Rev. 777 (2009)
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