police corruption

CJ Ciaramella: Asset Forfeiture – Reform or Eliminate?

Broadcast Running Time: 23:15

John Loeffler

December 22, 2021

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John has spoken out about the corruption surrounding civil asset forfeiture for years, but now some jurisdictions are beginning to take notice. Joining us today is CJ Ciaramella (reason.com), Criminal Justice correspondent at Reason Magazine. He shows how Florida has enacted some laws to reform asset forfeiture, but like with anything, those who are abusing the system have found a loophole around the new reform. He looks at the different tactics used during and after seizures, and what some of the money is spent on. If ironclad reform that can withstand loopholes isn't possible, then asset forfeiture should be eliminated.

Eric Kaufmann: Race Perception

Broadcast Running Time: 27:43

John Loeffler

April 28, 2021

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Institutional racism. Systemic racism. Racism interwoven into the foundation of this country. It sure sounds like the U.S. is one big racist country. But is it really? Joining us today is Eric Kaufmann (manhattan-institute.org), Adjunct Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, who discusses his own detailed research into the subject. He conducted studies of how people perceive racism based on their exposure to media and politicians and his results are telling. He dives into how people of different races react to the subject and how none of those communities are benefiting from media narratives. When words and sensitive topics like this become weaponized, discussion is shut down and the problem only worsens.

Caroline Grace Brothers: Forfeiture of Civil Asset Records

Broadcast Running Time: 17:37

John Loeffler

March 9, 2021

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A recent ruling in Pennsylvania court dealt a blow to the practice of civil asset forfeiture. Here today to talk about it is Caroline Grace Brothers (ij.org), Constitutional Law Fellow at the Institute for Justice. She describes the case where a reporter wanted to obtain names of property auction winners to determine if there was an asset seizure for profit scam happening. Courts ruled in his favor but the powers that be refused to give up the names. That is, until the highest court in the state also ruled in his favor. A precedent has now been set that could put a significant check on the civil asset forfeiture system. John finishes up today's podcast detailing the reasons why civil asset forfeiture is unconstitutional and can be easily abused.