Supreme court curbs states' power to levy fines and seize property through civil forfeiture

The Supreme Court today unanimously rules for Tyson Timbs, a small-time drug offender whose $42,000 Land Rover was seized by the state of Indiana as a civil forfeiture.

In its opinion, the Supreme Court rules that the U.S. Constitution's 8th amendment clause on excessive fines clause applies to states and local governments, and curbs their power to levy fines and seize property.

Here is a link to the full Opinion by Justice Ginsburg.

This is the first time the highest court of the nation has weighed in so directly on the issue of excessive fines and civil assets forfeiture, an issue that has grown increasingly controversial as awareness of cases such as Timbs' grows online.

Breaking: Supreme Court rules that excessive fines clause applies to states and local governments and limits ability to impose fines and seize property. Ginsburg write for unanimous court. this was the case: https://t.co/RNstzRXbug

- Robert Barnes (@scotusreporter) February 20, 2019

BREAKING: Supreme Court rules that excessive fines clause applies to states and local governments, curbing their power to levy fines and seize property. Opinion by Justice Ginsburg.

- Greg Stohr (@GregStohr) February 20, 2019

Today's SCOTUS opinion in Timbs finally subjects civil asset forfeiture to constitutional scrutiny and should rein in some of its most egregious abuses. Criminal justice reformers should be very happy right now. https://t.co/XxuXwb13Rh

- Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) February 20, 2019

Gorsuch comes out as a Privileges or Immunities Clause fan, which will delight libertarians and Clarence Thomas. https://t.co/XxuXwb13Rh pic.twitter.com/bUqcjLup4l

- Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) February 20, 2019

BREAKING: the Supreme Court unanimously applies the 8th am "excessive fines" clause to the states. Justice Ginsburg writes the opinion. https://t.co/90p8OpTF5U pic.twitter.com/9kRjwuf5Dj

- Steven Mazie (@stevenmazie) February 20, 2019