This thesis examines the use of forfeiture in customs-revenue law enforcement between 1789 and 1914 and in alcohol control, initially under internal-revenue laws and later under National Prohibition. It is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 is the introduction and sets out the goals of the thesis and provides some historic background. Chapter 2 looks at the use of forfeiture and related controversies in enforcement of customs-revenue law in the years prior to the Civil War. Chapter 3 examines the use of forfeiture in customs-revenue law after the Civil War, paying special attention to the extraordinary powers provided by Congress, abuses in New York, and subsequent reform of the customs service. Chapter 4 switches to examination of the use of forfeiture under early internal revenue laws and looks at its use in combatting moonshining and larger 19th Century liquor frauds. Chapter 5 looks at the use of forfeiture on land during National Prohibition, particularly in regard to car seizures and various challenges of enforcement at the time. Chapter 6 looks at the use of forfeiture at sea during National Prohibition, and examines in particular problems that emerged with foreign vessels. After the conclusion, there is a bibliography, over 30 tables, and appendix that aims to clarify some technical details of forfeiture.
Forfeiture as a tool of enforcement in the United States, 1789-1948
O'Longaigh, S. (Author). 1 May 2020
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy