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U.S. Supreme Court limits power of states and localities to impose fines, seize property of those accused or convicted of crimes, a unanimous decision

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WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that the Constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines applies to state and local governments, limiting their abilities to impose financial penalties and seize property. The decision delighted critics of civil asset forfeiture, who welcomed the ruling as a new weapon in their war against what has been labeled “policing for profit” — the practice of seizing cash, cars and other property from those convicted, or even suspected, of committing a crime. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, on her second day back on the bench after undergoing cancer surgery in December,  announced the court’s decision , saying the Eighth Amendment’s excessive-fines clause protects against government retribution at all levels.  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT WASHINGTON POST.COM Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com , Ohio's most read Black digital newspaper and Black blog with some 5 million views on Goo