Civil Forfeiture
/ˈsɪvəl fɔːrˈfɪʧər/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal process enabling government to seize assets believed to be connected to criminal activity without necessarily charging the owner with wrongdoing.
The government initiated civil forfeiture proceedings to confiscate the suspect's property linked to drug trafficking.
Forms
- civil forfeitures
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Civil forfeiture is distinct from criminal forfeiture because it targets the property itself rather than the owner's criminal conviction; due process protections vary by jurisdiction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.