The war on drugs took off when police agencies got a new incentive to chase drug offenders: the ability to keep cash and vehicles seized in drug operations. Critics say asset forfeiture skews police priorities by giving them a monetary stake in the war on drugs. Read, Listen (Real Audio, 19:30 min)

Here you can see the annual reports on the looting by the Justice Department. Treasury has similar reports.

The primary asset forfeiture pages of the US Department of Justice.

The US Marshals Service explains the goals and benefits of the asset forfeiture program.

Online articles, from an attorney and author with expertise in RICO and forfeiture. (April 1, 2002)

The Forfeiture Example of American 'Justice'. A heavy criticism of asset forfeiture by S. Leon Felkins. (January 17, 2002)

A Discussion on Why the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act Will Not Significantly Reform the Practice of Forfeiture (October 1, 2000)

Includes information relating the prohibition of Bills of Attainder to asset forfeiture. (May 12, 2000)

A series of articles on forfeiture by the Standard Times newspaper of SouthCoast, MA. Very balanced, providing views from both sides of this issue. (August 8, 1999)

Asserting that private property rights are necessary for personal freedom. (January 2, 1999)

A study of asset forfeiture by the Macinac Center, which concludes nine specific reforms are necessary to reduce the unfairness and abuses of the present system. (January 1, 1998)

A civil liberties organization started by the Libertarian Party of Oklahoma, which contacts political activists, organizations and others to oppose forfeiture. (December 1, 1997)

Congressional testimony from Roger Pilon, Ph.D., J.D., Senior Fellow and Director Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute, before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives, June 11, 1997. (June 11, 1997)

An introductory article on the law of civil forfeiture in the United States written in 1996 by Robert Shaw. Provides an overview of laws and legal standards, forfeiture's origins and history, law enforcement relationships and abuses, and suggestions for reform. [PDF] (April 1, 1996)

Spirited attack on forfeiture law, by Michael Fumento. Discusses Tina Bennis case and others. (January 2, 1996)