Finally - a fair tax!

[richardcraig]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2792815.stm

[Podie]

Good idea... so it'll probably get canned...

[eric mc]

I am sure it will fall foul of human rights legislation. Last year a similar law was introduced in the Republic of Ireland so it might be worthwhile looking at what legal challenges appear on the other side of the Irish Sea.

[mad jock]

It certainly fell foul of Human Right legislation in Scotland. Our courts tried it a couple of years ago, but the wee shite of a drug dealer took them to court, saying that it infringed his basic human rights of innocent until proven guilty. Of course, in our bleeding heart, sandalista, let's help the poor criminals country, he won his case.
So long as the legislation is carefully implemented, and the bleeding hearts and organisations like Liberty don't have their way, then it's a good thing. One other asset they should seize.
Their livers.

[eric mc]

Innocent until proven guilty has to be upheld at all costs. If an individual is engaged in criminal activities, then it is up to the authorities to come up with sufficient evidence for a conviction.

The beauty of financial based legislation is that other factors can be brought into play, such as tax evasion. The balance of proof required for tax legislation puts much more onus on the "criminal" to prove the legitimate scources of his income - thereby giving the authorities a higher probability of a conviction. Don't forget, Al Capone's jail sentence was entirely due to tax evasion, not his criminal activities.

[apache]

Eric, you are absolutely correct, innocent till proven guilty is the foundation of our legal system and must be adhered to at all costs..........motorists are of course exempt

[eric mc]

Only motorsists driving two seat sports cars.

[apache]

eric mc said: Only motorsists driving two seat sports cars.

actually the only speeding ticket I got was in a clapped out Citroen........73mph at the only 'safe' overtaking part of a clear, straight and empty NSL road,

[bigtone]

"It will also be used to seize the earnings of parlimentary groups."

Now THAT I like the sound of!

[corozin]

(From the article)If the ARA can convince a court that someone is enjoying a lifestyle which they cannot possibly have earned legally, a judge can order their possessions to be confiscated and sold.

So presumably Michael Meacher, John Prescott and Peter Mandelson will be in the queue to lose thier multiple houses then...?

Edited to add: [Rant mode]In fact who the hell gives the Government the right to annex the "assets" of these criminals? Surely any recovered monies should go directly to the victims of the crimes?[/Rant mode]

>> Edited by corozin on Monday 24th February 12:03

[rob.ellis]

"The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) will be able to confiscate money, houses, cars and anything else owned by major gangsters.."

Why stop there? The criminal justice system is simply not acting as a deterent. If you sieze the assets of the habitual criminal then they'll think twice.