Civil asset forfeiture debate pits property rights advocates against law enforcement
Texas officials are wrestling over where to draw the line between effective law enforcement and property rights.
At issue is the practice of civil asset forfeiture, where law enforcement seizes property — usually money or vehicles — believed to be tied to a crime. The issue, which has been simmering for several legislative sessions, has been bolstered recently by attention in the state Republican Party's platform and a joke from President Donald Trump.
Opponents of the practice have two main criticisms: People lose their property even though they haven't been convicted of a crime, and it has the potential to harm families that depend on, for example, that one family car that's now considered contraband. But law enforcement officials call it one of their most important tools for stopping crime — especially when dealing with drug-trafficking operations.
No comments:
Post a Comment