mzal@pegasus.UUCP (Mike Zaleski) (08/15/85)
Some of the discussion about confiscating the cars of those convicted of driving while intoxicated has centered on the idea that because different cars have different values, this punishment would essentially screw the poor and not be effective against the rich. However, such punishments are not without precident - if you shoot someone (without good reason) you will find your gun confiscated and (hopefully) yourself in jail. This is done without regard to the value of your gun. Whether such a punishment could be enacted also may depend somewhat on local law. For example, I believe that in Texas, there is a law that no person could be deprived of their transportation. As I remember it, this law dates back to horse buggy times, and was more likely intended to protect people in times of financial hardship. Nevertheless, the courts can interpret the law as they see fit. As for the recent submission claiming New York is considering impounding the cars of people who are caught driving while their license is suspended, I'd have to say this is a good idea. A study of drunken driving in California (quoted in Road&Track) showed a high percentage of people caught DWI were also on the suspended list. One suspended party got something like 23 tickets while his license was suspended! -- "The Model Citizen" Mike^Z Zaleski@Rutgers [ allegra, ihnp4 ] pegasus!mzal