SEIZURE LAWS MUST RESPECT RIGHTS

Asset forfeiture laws have provided a major source of revenue for
local police departments, but such funds are becoming scarcer. That's
for a good reason, however.

Officials all across the political spectrum have been working to
tighten up asset seizure laws, which are among the most undemocratic
we've ever had in this country. And while it's still far too easy to
take someone's assets without convicting him of a crime, at least it's
getting more difficult.

Unfortunately, allowing law-enforcement agencies to keep the proceeds
from assets seized from drug dealers and mobsters can result in
something of a conflict of interest between enforcing the law and
balancing the budget.

In addition, those laws have been written far too loosely, putting the
burden of proof on the defendant rather than on the
prosecution.

Fortunately, that's changing, as officials realize the laws need
stronger safeguards for citizens.

Asset forfeiture can be an important weapon in the battle against
drugs and organized crime, but violating longstanding, crucial
protections involved in due process simply shouldn't exist as part of
the American justice system.