"CHICAGO - As Chicago's gang violence spirals out of control, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is coming up with a new plan to fight back.
"Lightfoot wants to hold the gangs accountable by allowing the city to sue the very people who are pulling the trigger.
"Authorities want to take away the guns, cars, jewelry and money from gangs to eliminate their profit motive."
You cannot just charge them with murder?
Lawsuits have two big advantages from the city government's point of view.
ReplyDeleteFirst, a civil suit requires only "preponderance of evidence" rather than "beyond reasonable doubt." This is going to appeal to lazy/overworked (take your pick according to your prejudices) prosecutors.
Second, taking "guns, cars, jewelry and money" brings in revenue to the city government, assuming they're able to finesse keeping the loot themselves rather than returning the stolen goods to their rightful owners.