US court gives more clarity over 'excessive fines' rule in latest verdict

Ruling for the first time that the U.S. Constitution's ban on "excess fines" applies to states as well as the federal government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with an Indiana man who argued police violated his rights by seizing his $42,000 Land Rover vehicle after he was convicted as a heroin dealer. The court, in a 9-0 ruling, clarified the applicability of the "excessive fines" prohibition contained in the Constitution's Eighth Amendment.

The decision means that the man, Tyson Timbs, now has a chance to get his Land Rover back.