‘The taxpayer must render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but no more,’ said Chief Justice John Roberts in Tyler v. Hennepin County
The Supreme Court ruled in favor Thursday of a 94-year-old Minnesota grandmother who claimed that the state violated her constitutional rights when they seized her condo over an unpaid tax debt, then sold the property and kept all the sale proceeds — which were far above what she actually owed.
Geraldine Tyler owned a condo which Hennepin County seized as payment for approximately $15,000 in outstanding property taxes, penalties, interest and costs. The home was then sold for $40,000. Under the state’s forfeiture laws, the county kept the surplus proceeds — in this case to the tune of $25,000.
Tyler argued that the government violated the Fifth Amendment’s “Takings Clause” by confiscating property worth more than the debt owed by the owner. Lower courts ruled against her and dismissed her case, but the Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously sided with her arguments and held that she brought a valid claim under the Takings Clause.
“The taxpayer must render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but no more,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the court’s opinion.
Ruh Roh ,
thsts going to mess up little Mikey Lewis , and his keystone cops.
oh wait, Little Mikey is in Florida building his home.
There be some chit if it was determined he was on Wicomico County payroll while out of State
This case has nothing to do with “civil forfeiture” so no effect on the Sheriff.
I think they owe her damages. Couple million would do it.
Slumlords in Salisbury better watch out now.