Asset forfeiture

Asset forfeiture or asset seizure is a form of confiscation of assets by the state. It typically applies to the alleged proceeds or instruments of crime. This applies, but is not limited, to terrorist activities, drug related crimes, and other criminal and even civil offenses. Some jurisdictions specifically use the term "confiscation" instead of forfeiture. The purpose of asset forfeiture is to disrupt criminal activity by confiscating assets that potentially could have been beneficial to the individual or organization.

Civil and criminal law

Most legal systems distinguish between criminal and civil— and generally use separate courts, different procedures, and different evidentiary rules. The traditional view is that crimes are public wrongs—and that criminal law addresses those who harm society through morally culpable acts as a way to impose punishment and deter potential offenders from committing similar offenses. Criminal proceedings are therefore "officially designated ceremonies of guilt designation" and the label "criminal" carries with it a social stigma, which is not imposed on the losing party in a civil action. Because of this stigma and the potential punishment, which may be imposed by a criminal court, legal systems provide procedural protections above those available to a respondent in a civil case. For example, criminal proceedings require a higher standard of proof.