The joke about asset forfeiture is that it‘s actually not a joke. Advisors to law enforcement have actually said it‘s a great way for cops to go shopping for things they want. It‘s not just cash being taken, although it‘s primarily that. It‘s vehicles, too. And when that just doesn‘t seem to be enough, it‘s houses. And everything in them.

So, the „going shopping“ joke is one very dark punchline. Here‘s another one: „take everything that isn‘t nailed down.“ Except that this actually happens. And it includes things that are nailed down. Reason‘s C.J. Ciaramella has more details.