Agency Quote by George Will
“The civil forfeiture law - if something so devoid of due process can be dignified as law - is an incentive for perverse behavior: Predatory government agencies get to pocket the proceeds from property they seize from Americans without even charging them with, let alone convicting them of, crimes. Criminals are treated better than this because they lose the fruits of their criminality only after being convicted.”
About This Quote
The quote criticizes civil forfeiture as a due‑process violation, arguing it creates perverse incentives for government agencies to seize property without charging owners.
In simple terms: Civil forfeiture bypasses due process.
Demand legal reform.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- law enforcement
- property disputes
- policy reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens effectively oppose unfair forfeiture laws?
- What safeguards could protect property owners?
Reforms may be politically difficult to enact.