Eighth Amendment Test for Alaska Pilot | Anchorage News

An 80-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is fighting to keep his $95,000 1969 Cessna after being convicted for flying a passenger with a six-pack of beer — a misdemeanor that led to the plane’s seizure. The case now heads to the Supreme Court, where Jouppi argues the forfeiture violates the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause. His lawyers say losing his livelihood for such a minor offense is unjust, while Alaska contends the state’s high court correctly applied the law, given the serious alcohol abuse problems in rural communities and the role planes play in transporting alcohol. The nation’s highest court will hear arguments this fall. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a6a18e6c3092de74