FreedomWorks Statement in Response to SCOTUS Ruling Regarding Forfeiture

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Timbs v. Indiana that state governments cannot utilize forfeiture as a means to raise funds under the Constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines, Adam Brandon, FreedomWorks President, commented:

“Abuse of civil asset forfeiture is a growing problem in America and is an affront to Americans’ civil liberties. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision sets a excellent precedent for protecting our rights endowed in the constitution.

“Last year, the total of funds seized by civil asset forfeiture was higher than the total cost of property stolen as part of criminal activity. This is wholly backwards, is not in keeping with the purpose of law enforcement, and needs to end.

“This ruling is critical to preserving Americans’ liberties at a time when state and local governments increasingly seize the property of private citizens as a means of funding, without due process of law. Today’s decision makes clear that the Eighth Amendment applies to individual states.”