in rem

Definition

A legal action directed against property rather than a person, Latin for 'against a thing.' It's how the government seizes assets in forfeiture cases, resulting in lawsuit names like 'United States v. $124,700 in U.S. Currency.'

Example Usage

The in rem forfeiture proceeding allowed the government to seize the yacht without criminally convicting its owner.

Origin

Latin meaning 'against a thing'

Fun Fact

In rem jurisdiction lets courts dispose of property even when they can't get jurisdiction over the property's owner, which is very convenient for governments.

Source: Admiralty law and civil forfeiture statutes

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assuage

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burden of proof

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