The Supreme Court agreed to review Kenneth Jouppi's claim that the state of Alaska illegally seized his airplane for carrying a six-pack of beer.
The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an appeal from Kenneth Jouppi, an 82-year-old Alaska bush pilot who argues that the state's seizure of his $95,000 Cessna violated the Eighth Amendment's "Excessive Fines Clause." The dispute began in 2012 when state police discovered a six-pack of beer on Jouppi's plane while it was bound for Beaver, a remote village where alcohol is banned. Although Jouppi was convicted of a misdemeanor for the offense, he contends that losing his entire airplane for a single six-pack of beer is a disproportionate punishment. The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled in favor of the state, asserting that the forfeiture was a necessary way to send a message to other pilots. However, Jouppi's attorneys argue the state's high court failed to consider the gravity of his specific wrongdoing. The case could have national implications by limiting the ability of local governments to rely on asset forfeiture to pad budgets. The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments later this year.