Summary
Limits civil asset forfeiture; property can only be seized if the owner is convicted of a crime.
Biblical Reasoning
Private property is one of the most basic freedoms reiterated throughout the Bible. From the 8th Commandment prohibiting theft, to the case laws in Exodus 21-23 requiring restitution to owners of property stolen or damaged by others, to the great wickedness attributed to King Ahab when he stole Naboth’s vineyard, the Bible says private property is important.
As a man’s life or liberty should only be taken upon conviction for crime, so his property should only be taken when he has been proven guilty.
Election Results
Voters approved the property forfeiture protections (67% Yes).
Full PEAPAC Analysis
PEAPAC Explanation: If passed, Measure 3 would amend the Oregon Constitution to require that property (other than evidence or illegal substances) could only be taken from someone who is actually convicted of a crime.
Private property is one of the most basic freedoms reiterated throughout the Bible. From the 8th Commandment prohibiting theft, to the case laws in Exodus 21-23 requiring restitution to owners of property stolen or damaged by others, to the great wickedness attributed to King Ahab when he stole Naboth’s vineyard, the Bible says private property is important. This stress found its way into the formation of our country. Thomas Jefferson’s inalienable rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” were a recasting of John Locke’s “life, liberty and property” and was so interpreted in the founding period. Our happiness is inexorably tied to the right use of our property.
As a man’s life or liberty should only be taken upon conviction for crime, so his property should only be taken when he has been proven guilty. We support this Measure because we want to make sure the government only takes property from criminals rather than from innocent property owners. We recommend a Yes vote on Measure 3.
Dennis Tuuri 
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