confiscated

Confiscated is a term used in law to describe the permanent taking of property by a government authority. When property is confiscated, ownership is transferred from the private person or entity to the state, typically to punish wrongdoing, prevent further crime, or satisfy penalties and public interests. The exact rules governing confiscation, including when it may occur and whether compensation is provided, vary by jurisdiction.

Etymology: from Latin confiscare, from con- "toward" + fiscus "treasury," meaning to dedicate property to the treasury.

Forms and scope: Confiscation can occur in several forms. Criminal confiscation follows a conviction and seizes assets proved to be derived from or used in crime. Civil asset forfeiture allows the state to seize property believed to be connected to illegal activity, sometimes without a criminal conviction. Administrative confiscation may occur under regulatory regimes (for example, customs, tax, or administrative penalties) and may not require a criminal charge.

Distinctions: Seizure is the act of taking property into custody, often temporarily, whereas confiscation is the later transfer of ownership. Forfeiture is the legal process—often civil or criminal—that results in confiscation.

Due process and rights: Legal standards vary widely. Some systems require notice and a hearing; others permit seizure or forfeiture with limited due process and, in some cases, offer compensation or restitution if the claimant prevails in court.

Examples: Proceeds from drug trafficking, contraband goods, assets used to commit crime, or property purchased with illegal funds.