The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000: A sheep in wolf's clothing?

Abstract

The argument is presented that, is contrast to expectations, the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA) of 2000 will not be responsible for significant change in the practice of civil asset forfeiture, that the Act is a sheep in wolf's clothing. While it has ushered in some important procedural changes, CAFRA does not address several of what critics perceive to be the most significant problems associated with civil asset forfeiture, among them are a questionable standard of proof, equitable sharing, and the so‐called “taint doctrine.” Thus, it is likely that civil asset forfeiture will continue to be a valuable law enforcement tool in the war on drugs.

Citation

Worrall, J.L. (2004), "The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000: A sheep in wolf's clothing?", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 220-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510410536832