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Supreme Court Upholds Limited Due Process in Civil Forfeiture Cases

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that civil asset forfeiture does not require a separate preliminary hearing, sparking debate over due process rights.

  • The Supreme Court ruled that timely forfeiture hearings suffice under the Constitution, rejecting the need for preliminary hearings to assess police seizures.
  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, cited historical practices and past precedents to support the decision.
  • Concurring opinions by Justices Gorsuch and Thomas hinted at openness to reconsider the broader constitutionality of civil forfeiture laws.
  • Critics argue the ruling disproportionately affects the poor and could lead to prolonged deprivation of property without timely legal recourse.
  • Civil rights advocates and some justices express concern over the potential for abuse under current civil forfeiture practices, indicating a future legal battleground.
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