Supreme Court weighs limits on asset forfeiture in Alaska beer case

The Supreme Court agreed to hear Kenneth Jouppi’s challenge to Alaska’s seizure of his $95,000 Cessna after a single six-pack of beer, arguing the forfeiture violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on excessive fines and could curb broad state asset-forfeiture powers. Alaska says confiscation helps curb alcohol problems in remote villages where planes are often the only access. Oral arguments are expected later this year or next, with a ruling anticipated by next summer.