A recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver highlights the problem of asset forfeiture, with specific references to the city of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia has seized more than $64 million in property since 2002, much of which is turned over to the prosecutors responsible for seizing the property. Critics dub this "policing for profit."
One recent instance resulted in a lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice. Chris and Markela Sourovelis had their home seized because their son had been caught with $40 worth of narcotics. The parents had committed no crime, but prosecutors determined their house may be guilty.
Read more about the case and asset forfeiture in Philadelphia at EndForfeiture.com
Subscribe to this feedRELATED : PROPERTY RIGHTS