Farmers challenge $550,000 fine for paperwork error

[Elderberry]

WND By Bob Unruh 9/11/2021

The owners of a fourth-generation family farm in New Jersey that produces vegetables and other crops is fighting in court to overturn a $550,000 fine over a paperwork error – they used the wrong words to describe a meal program for employees.

Further, the lawsuit challenges the government agency that imposed the fine – the U.S. Department of Labor – for acting as prosecutor and judge in the action against the family.

The Institute for Justice said the fight already is years old.

But the lawsuit against the DOL is new.

It is on behalf of Sun Valley Orchards of Swedesboro, N.J., and owners Joe and Russell Marino.

"These penalties could destroy a fourth-generation family farm, and yet they’ve been imposed without the Marinos ever seeing a real federal judge," said IJ Senior Attorney Rob Johnson. "The Constitution guarantees an independent judiciary, and that means employers like the Marinos are entitled to a real trial in a real court before the government can destroy their business."

More: https://www.wnd.com/2021/09/farmers-challenge-550000-fine-paperwork-error/

[Kamaji]

That should violate the 8th Amendment's prohibition on excessive fines.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

That should violate the 8th Amendment's prohibition on excessive fines.

This should also be warning calls to avoid dealing with the federal government, ever.

[EdinVA]

for H2(x) visas, the employer has to post a bond guaranteeing the visa holder returns to their own country or is xfered to another "sponsor", which is a paperwork issue, to prevent the visa holder overstaying their visa and remaining in the US illegal.

The wording in this article is ambiguous at best, likely on purpose.