The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge by Alaska bush pilot Kenneth Jouppi, who is contesting the state’s attempt to seize his 1969 Cessna airplane after an alcohol-related incident aboard the flight. According to reports, a passenger brought a six-pack of beer into a flight bound for a dry village, where alcohol is restricted. Jouppi disputes that he knew about the beer and argues that the government’s proposed forfeiture of his aircraft amounts to an unconstitutional penalty. His primary legal claim is that the seizure violates the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause,” which limits the severity of fines and forfeitures imposed by the government. Jouppi contends that the forfeiture is not proportional to the gravity of the underlying conduct and asks the Court to clarify how the Eighth Amendment should apply to civil forfeitures involving property such as a vehicle or aircraft. Multiple outlets report the plane’s value at about $95,000, and describe the case as seeking guidance on whether an excessive-fines analysis must include proportionality.
Supreme Court to review Alaska bid to seize plane over six-pack of beer
The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge by Alaska bush pilot Kenneth Jouppi, who is contesting the state’s attempt to seize his 1969 Cessna airplane after an alcohol-related incident aboard...
- The Supreme Court agrees to hear Kenneth Jouppi’s challenge to Alaska’s planned seizure of his 1969 Cessna aircraft.
- The dispute stems from a passenger bringing a six-pack of beer on a flight bound for a dry village in Alaska.
- Jouppi argues the seizure would violate the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause, including a claim that forfeiture must be proportional to the offense.
- Reports say Jouppi denies knowledge of the passenger’s alcohol before the flight.
- The aircraft is reported to be worth about $95,000.
Ken Jouppi's Eighth Amendment challenge asks the Court to decide whether a fine must be proportional to the gravity of the crime.
1 month agoThe Supreme Court will hear an Alaska pilot’s challenge to a court order forfeiting his $95,000 Cessna after a passenger tried to bring beers into a dry village. Alaska’s highest court held the plane could be taken even if he knew only about one visible six-pack.
1 month agoKenneth Jouppi argues that taking his 1969 Cessna over one passenger's drink choice would violate the Eighth Amendment's “Excessive Fines Clause."
1 month agoThe pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate the Eighth Amendment's "Excessive Fines Clause."
1 month agoThe case stems from April 2012, when Kenneth Jouppi was preparing to fly a passenger from Fairbanks to the remote village of Beaver, where alcohol is banned.
1 month agoThe pilot argues that taking his aircraft would violate the Eighth Amendment's ‘Excessive Fines Clause’
1 month ago
Maria Pearson returned to prison weeks after release following murder conviction
Maria Pearson, 70, is back in jail just weeks after being released, according to reports. She previously served nearly 4...
Russell Howard says his baby boy died hours after his wife gave birth
Comedian Russell Howard says he and his wife, Cerys Morgan, have lost their baby boy, who died hours after she gave birt...
Russell Howard announces death of baby son Felix shortly after birth
Comedian Russell Howard says his baby son, Felix, died shortly after his birth earlier this year. Howard made the announ...