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IJ asks Supreme Court: Do Americans have a right to a jury trial when facing crippling fines?

  • J. Justin Wilson

Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether state and local governments must provide jury trials before imposing massive civil fines. The case arises from Humboldt County, California, where local officials imposed life-altering penalties on property owners without having to prove the government’s case to a jury. At the heart of the petition is a critical constitutional question: Does the Seventh Amendment’s guarantee of a jury trial in civil cases apply to state and local governments, just as it already does at the federal…

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Economic Liberty

IJ believes that all people have the right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice without arbitrary, unnecessary, or protectionist government interference.

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IJ defends the right of all Americans to own and enjoy their property free from unjust seizures, searches, and fines.

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First Amendment

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Ending Civil Forfeiture

Under civil forfeiture, people can permanently lose their property without a criminal conviction or even charges. This is one of the gravest abuses of power in the country today, and IJ aims to put a stop to it.

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Food Freedom

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Zoning Justice

Arbitrary and abusive zoning practices make our society less free and less prosperous. IJ stands up for all Americans’ right to use their property peacefully and productively, without undue government interference.

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Short Circuit 376 | Murder Mysteries

Two federal appellate opinions involving a murder and whether justice was served. First, IJ’s Dan Alban reports on a Sixth Circuit case where a man […]

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