The Briefing Room
General Category => National/Breaking News => SCOTUS News => Topic started by: Elderberry on September 09, 2022, 11:29:04 pm
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WND 9/9/2022
Scotts Bluff County accused of owing owner a ton of money
The confiscation of homeowners' equity has been a surging problem in America in recent years: Government agencies confiscate properties, including homes, for nonpayment of taxes or fines, and often assume ownership of the entire value rather than returning any value over the payment owed to the homeowner.
It's been contested, too, and a couple years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that confiscating a valuable vehicle over a minor charge amounted to an "excessive fine" that was banned by the Constitution.
The issue, however, is far from resolved, and the Supreme Court now is being asked to issue a ruling that would establish that governments can tax, and they can fine, but they cannot take more than what is owed.
It is the Pacific Legal Foundation that is involved in the latest dispute, and has moved the case to the highest court.
Without any loan available, the couple fell under a state law in Nebraska that "allows private tax collectors to keep such windfalls at the expense of property owners like Kevin and Terry."
That windfall was the entire value of the $60,000 home.
More: https://www.wnd.com/2022/09/supremes-asked-undo-confiscation-60000-home-5k-tax-bill/ (https://www.wnd.com/2022/09/supremes-asked-undo-confiscation-60000-home-5k-tax-bill/)
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Even where the balance of the value of the property seized is to be returned to the homeowner, the property is sold at auction, often going for pennies on the dollar, and the homeowner gets bupkis.
Often there is some crony-ism involved, and the buyer flips the property for a handsome profit.