October Term 2009 · Docket 08-351
Does Illinois law violate due process by seizing property before a neutral judge reviews the claim?
the sides that brought the case argue Illinois forfeits property without a pre-seizure hearing. the opposing sides claim the current process satisfies constitutional requirements.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
the sides that brought the case claim the state mandates seizure without prior judicial review.
the opposing sides assert the current statutory process meets constitutional standards.
justice_ginsburg_questioned_mootness_and_property_status
justice_sotomayor_questioned_precedent_for_prejudgment_seizure
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 49-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 49-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 29-37 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 29-37
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 5-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 5-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 51-9 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 51-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 31-1 — Transcript, file page 59, lines 31-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 43-47 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 43-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 17-23 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 17-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 37-1 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 37-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 37-43 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 37-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 5-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 62, lines 45-47 — Transcript, file page 62, lines 45-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 15-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 23-23 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 23-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 27-33 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 27-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 45-49 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 45-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 9-11 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 9-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 11-13 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 11-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 3-11 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 3-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-47 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-21 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 13-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 25-29 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 25-29
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
This case tests whether Illinois can seize property before a neutral judge reviews the claim. the sides that brought the case seek a ruling that this practice violates due process. the opposing sides ask the Court to uphold the state statute.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on October 14, 2009.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 31-1 — Transcript, file page 59, lines 31-1
What each side wants
the sides that brought the case want the Court to declare the Illinois statute unconstitutional.
the opposing sides want the Court to affirm the lower court dismissal.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
What each side says
the sides that brought the case argue the state lacks a neutral pre-seizure review mechanism.
the opposing sides argue the existing forfeiture hearing provides sufficient process.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
What the justices asked
Justice Ginsburg asked if the case remains live after the district court dismissal.
Justice Sotomayor asked if other laws allow seizure without neutral review.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 49-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 49-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 29-37 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 29-37
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 5-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 5-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 51-9 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 51-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 31-1 — Transcript, file page 59, lines 31-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 43-47 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 43-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 17-23 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 17-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 37-1 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 37-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 37-43 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 37-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 5-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 62, lines 45-47 — Transcript, file page 62, lines 45-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 15-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 23-23 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 23-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 27-33 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 27-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 45-49 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 45-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 9-11 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 9-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 11-13 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 11-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 3-11 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 3-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-47 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-21 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 13-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 25-29 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 25-29
Why it matters
This dispute defines the minimum process required before the state seizes private property. It determines whether citizens must wait for a hearing before losing assets. The outcome shapes the balance between state power and individual rights.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 49-11 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 49-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 29-37 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 29-37
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 5-11 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 5-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 51-9 — Transcript, file page 5, lines 51-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 31-1 — Transcript, file page 59, lines 31-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 43-47 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 43-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 17-23 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 17-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 37-1 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 37-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 37-43 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 37-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 5-7 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 5-7
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 62, lines 45-47 — Transcript, file page 62, lines 45-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 15-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 23-23 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 23-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 27-33 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 27-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 45-49 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 45-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 9-11 — Transcript, file page 63, lines 9-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 11-13 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 11-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 3-11 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 3-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 47-47 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 47-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 13-21 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 13-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 25-29 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 25-29
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 9-19 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 9-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 19-19 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 19-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 21-47 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 21-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 41-35 — Transcript, file page 34, lines 41-35
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 60, lines 3-5 — Transcript, file page 60, lines 3-5
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 61, lines 45-5 — Transcript, file page 61, lines 45-5
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.