You’re Innocent, but Your House may be Guilty

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