University Students’ Knowledge and Opinions on Civil Asset Forfeiture

• In Event: Criminal Justice Attitudes among Youth and Young Adults

Abstract

This study addresses two primary research questions: 1) what level of knowledge does the public have about law enforcement civil asset forfeiture policy and 2) to what extent do they agree or disagree with these policies? Data are derived from a survey of students at a large public university. The survey consists of questions first asking respondents if they know about a particular aspect of civil asset forfeiture with follow-up questions asking how much they agree or disagree with that aspect. The analysis examines predictors of knowledge of and support for a variety of policies, including seizing assets before a suspect is convicted, placing the burden of proof on the suspect to retrieve their seized assets, the disproportionate amount of assets seized from marginalized groups, the fact that assets seized directly benefit the agency seizing them, and what the proceeds are used for.

Authors

• Emma Perrell, Colorado State University

• Michael Hogan, Colorado State University