Timbs v. Indiana (2019)

Tyson Timbs and a 2012 Land Rover LR2 v. State of Indiana was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on February 20, 2019.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Case Issue:

Is the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause incorporated against the states under the 14th Amendment?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Tyson Timbs and a 2012 Land Rover LR2
• Brief of Respondent: State of Indiana
• Amici: available on the SCOTUSblog case page

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles and Resources:

• SCOTUS schedules Indiana Land Rover civil forfeiture case (The Indiana Lawyer)
• He Sold Drugs for $225. Indiana Took His $42,000 Land Rover. (The New York Times)
• Supreme Court Will Decide If Civil Forfeiture Is Unconstitutional, Violates The Eighth Amendment (Forbes)
• Timbs v. Indiana Video News Release – Institute for Justice (Note: The Institute for Justice is representing Timbs, therefore, their resources are supportive of the petitioner’s side.)
• Supreme Court says constitutional protection against excessive fines applies to state actions (The Washington Post)

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court:

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts
• Mini-Moot Courts Resource Bundle and Video