Fuentes v. Shevin

We here review the decisions of two three-judge federal District Courts that upheld thé constitutionality of Florida and Pennsylvania laws authorizing the summary seizure of goods or chattels in a person’s possession under a writ of replevin. Both statutes provide for the issuance of writs ordering state agents to seize a person’s possessions, simply upon the ex parte application of any other person who claims a right to them and posts a *70security bond. Neither-statute provides for notice to be given to the possessor of the property, and neither statute gives the possessor an opportunity to…