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The United States then filed an in rem action, seeking forfeiture of Austin\u2019s mobile home and auto body shop under federal statutes that provide for forfeiture of property that is used or intended for use to facilitate the transportation of controlled substances, or related materials. Austin argued that forfeiture of his property would violate the Eighth Amendment\u2019s Excessive Fines Clause. The district court rejected Austin\u2019s argument and entered summary judgment in favor of the United States. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed, holding that the Eighth Amendment did not apply to civil in rem actions for forfeiture of property to the government.\u003C\/p\u003E\n","question":"\u003Cp\u003EDoes the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment apply to a statutory in rem forfeiture of property?\u003C\/p\u003E\n","conclusion":"\u003Cp\u003EYes. Justice Harry A. Blackmun, writing for five members of the court, reversed the Eighth Circuit and remanded. 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