Which part of "Nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation" do they not understand? Now we just need to end Civil Asset Forfeiture.

When they're trying to launder that title by transferring it 3 times before selling it for a profit you know it's legit.

It boggles the mind that a District Court looked at this and said "This is fine."

One of the HOAs I lived in had a couple that paid cash for their house. Due to the more simple closing, the seller and title company failed to disclose it was in an HOA. The couple was unaware of the monthly dues. The HOA had the actual address of the home that was in the HOA, but they sent collection notices to an apartment that the couple once lived in. It is a gated community and the couple got a token to get through the gate everyday by giving the attendant their address. The gate attendant was well aware that they were not paying dues but never mentioned it. Not knowing they were in a HOA they didn't know they could pick up a key card to get through the gate without a token. The house was foreclosed and the foreclosure documents were sent to the apartment they no longer lived in. The HOA admitted this when asked. They had no excuse for why they did not mail the documents and notices to the actual house that was being foreclosed. I became aware of this right before the house went to auction. The auction was not properly listed and only the HOA showed up at the auction and they bought it for the amount of HOA unpaid dues. Their intent was to keep the house for and sell it. The HOA President was a realtor, how convenient. The couple was an older couple who never lived in a HOA and they didn't even know they existed. A relative passed away and left them enough money to buy the house with cash. This was their retirement home. I got involved and after several unproductive discussions with the HOA board president, I called a lawyer friend of mine who was nice enough to call the board president and the HOA attorney. Again, they admitted that no notice of debt or foreclosure was sent to the actual property. They had to because they were sent certified so it would be very easy to discover. They also admitted that there was no HOA notice signed at the Title Company, after I called the Title company and had them check it. Due to the ridiculous scenario, the HOA agreed to "sell" the house back to the owner for unpaid dues, less any penalties. I was pushing for no dues as they were not aware of them, they were not properly disclosed, and the incompetent way they "didn't" notify the actual owner at the property in question. The owners wanted to pay what was due, less any penalties, and got their house back. I tried to find an enforcement entity that would investigate this situation but the local police, Sheriff's office, and the Constable stated that they could only investigate theft, which this was very close to becoming, or actual assault by a Board or it's members but not any of their other actions. Considering millions of people live in HOAs and there are billions of dollars in properties at risk there should be some form of enforcement to make sure they are following the laws of the state and operating under the governing documents of the HOA. To many HOAs fail to do so with little to no recourse.

I bought my property just shy of 18 months ago and recently got a notice that my property taxes were being increased by about $115 a year. I called the tax assessor's office and ask them what improvements they had offered me with this increased tax money. I inform them that my road is still not paved, I still don't have city water, trash pickup or sanitary sewer so I need to know what they've done to earn my extra money. They reclassified my property as farmland and my taxes are now $20 cheaper per year than my original amount. Sometimes it pays to be the squeaky wheel or the cranky old man. Yeah I'm both of those.

Citing 800-year-old law in your decision is an unbelievably baller move.

Why are these corrupt city officials not in prison???

Which brings the question: "Should statues of limitations apply to governmental bodies when they use their power to act unconstitutionally?"

The city managers that did this belong to be in a prison cell

The scam is they foreclose on the house sell it to their own business or a business owned by a family member then resell the home for a massive profit.

This was a brutal, brutal, brutal reversal. The sheer contempt shown to the district court by the federal is hilarious.

This law is a larger version of "Civil Asset Forfeiture" ... Government stealing under the power of law.

My grandfather's property went into probate they sold it to a company for $20,000 6 months after the paperwork was done the resold it for $450,000. It's all a scam

In a nutshell, the law says "We can steal your house fair and square if you fall behind on your taxes because we said so."

video is exactly as long as it needs to be to explain the issue at hand lol. great job!

I disagree that the videos are to long. The fact that Steve takes the time to explain the law and uses examples helps the non-lawers in this audience to understand the workings of law is a great service to us and as far as I'm concerned, this is GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you Steve for all you do.

That a governmental agency would justify such horrible predatory conduct is scary.

This is going to be in quizzes in law schools: "Which court, in which case, referred to both quantum mechanics and Magna Charta in the same opinion?"

This is absurd that the law was even able to be passed and that the first court that it was sound, let alone put into use against people. Absolutely absurd. Civil asset forfeiture isn’t enough for these greedy people, they must take every penny that they even think they can get their hands on.

Steve, the video is NOT too long, it is brilliant, fascinating, enlightening coverage of law, history, government arrogance, and the fight for justice. Thank you for this fine service!

It seems in Michigan that property tax foreclosure is asset forfeiture by another name.

Corruption is rampant these dark days, thanks Steve for reporting the truth.

Wonderful news! Being a student of history and knowing your rights prove invaluable when many are trying to rewrite history.

Even if they return the surplus, foreclosing on someone for property tax debt is immoral. The most the State should be allowed to do is put a lien on the property and require payment of taxes due from the proceeds of the sale of the property, but they should never take the property (especially people's homes).

Please don't apologize for a video being too long! It takes as long as it takes to explain the issues, the decisions, the meanings, and the consequences. You explain to inform; we listen to learn. Thank you for that! Please keep doing a thorough job, without rushing.

It's just shocking how criminal the government is

I comment as a British subject, so we get references to rights under Magna Carta in the same way you have "sovereign citizens." In fact, very few terms of the original magna Carta remain as current law, although many clauses were incorporated into new laws. It was heartening to hear a US case refer back to such ancient charters that conveyed rights to citizens. I was impressed with the details uncovered in ancient juris prudence and the whole thing comes together wonderfully. Every respect to the lawyer that did the hard work and congratulations on such a well-argued success.

The association that is buying homes for $1 needs to be investigated. Who owns and works for this association. And what relationship do they have with politicians and the people foreclosing on these homes.

Steve this sounds so much like a RICO crime, whereas the individual agents of the government have organized a criminal operation under the color of law.

Do prior victims get their equity refunded now? Or will they have to sue?

In Australia in Victoria where I live there used to be a thing where the bank could take your house and sell for money owed ( mortgagees auction ) only that’s how it was back in the 70’s, but the law was changed so now it has to be sold for market value and bank can only keep money owed plus expenses the rest has to be passed back to owner.

Boy are they going to owe a lot of money to the citizens they already stole from.

What you didn't tell us is the names of the politicians family that are in the association that bought $22,000 of debt for $1 and then sold that $1 bill for $302,000.

Love the work that Pacific Legal and IJ do to protect individual rights. Great organizations.

"You should not ever give credibility to critics wanting a condensed version". Sure there are stories that run long, but it's your show to run as you see fit. I personally like that you take the time to explain all of the subtle complexities of a particular case, kind of like a law professor. Don't change a thing. Please!

Wasn't long ago I was reading about a person who's land tax appraisal from the township was increased even though property values were decreasing at the time, refused to pay the extra and had his land foreclosed on by the township. Then to rub salt in the wound the Township actually had the gall to gloat how they got a $100,000 dollar piece of property on the lake for $1000 dollars. I gave up on the court system when Michigan Supreme court allowed the transitivity called MERS to be able to break the chain of title.

This nonsense of conveying the title to another entity to avoid a fair market value sale with payment of equity to the mortgagee/owner must also be stopped. That includes selling it significantly below market value at a “tax auction”. Minimum sale price should be set at 80% of FMV or something of that nature.

Never too long. Really appreciate the history lesson.

Michigan politicians and judges. “Uncivilized” in the truest sense of that word. Good work, Mr. Lehto!

Michigans law is obviously more extreme but , here in Connecticut the late fees and penalties are so punitive that catching up on back property taxes are nearly impossible. I believe it's also the law where of for some reason you don't get a tax bill in the mail, you still owe the tax and are subject to all late fees. From my experience the tax collector has no obligation to work with you either. If a private business had collection policies like this, they would be sued into oblivion.

Totally insane ...this is basically robbery

I enjoy ALL of your videos -- every minute of them!

Awesome job 6th district! Now do Civil Asset Forfeiture!

Been waiting for this update since your prior. Video on the subject. Unconscionable is the perfect word to describe this practice as well as civil asset forfeiture. Btw…Your videos are each just as long as they need to be…no complaints here!!

How was such an injustice allowed to be carried out for so long?

It's astonishing how often the Magna Carta comes up.

Steve I live in Australia and enjoy hearing about the law in the USA. So in my opinion you take, the right amount of time. To tell us about the law. Thank you very much and have a fantastic day. I now know more about the law they, then I do about the law in Australia. I would like it, if someone over here would take the time to explain our laws like you do.

Thank you so much for reporting on this. This is a travesty in Michigan and I know of so many people who have lost their homes because of property taxes and didn't receive a dime!!! ❤❤

Even worse if someone is 87 years old and still trying to handle their own bills they may not recognize the tax bill.

Great video - as someone who's worked in the banking industry for decades, I found all the details about the history of mortgages and property rights going back to the Magna Carta absolutely fascinating. I learned the origins of some of the terms that I use dozens of times every day! IMO the video was definitely *not* too long, because I appreciated getting all that detail and context. Also, it probably goes without saying, but it's so obvious that the decision to strike this law down is the right decision. The 6th Circuit very much did the right thing here, and boy did they ever bring their receipts to show why it was the right decision.

Watched video to end, excellent 👌and I'm a long haul trucker so please feel free to make long videos:) I love how u break down into layman's terms legal issues.

No man's life or property is safe while the legislature is in session. - Mark Twain

Pacific Legal and attorneys involved, great job working for homeowners! Hope they get their money back!

Steve, your videos are not too long. Important information cannot always be explained in ten minutes. I even went back to the beginning almost to be sure I was understanding what you were saying. It's also interesting to see how information builds over time. Thank you for explaining these things to us. It is very much appreciated.

You absolutely did NOT go too long for this topic! Every property owner in the country needs to be aware of this for many reasons. Especially since the Court's references include Magna Carta! (I am a Brit by birth, and an American by choice.)

Steve; the reason I watch you is because you explain the cases and the laws that apply as well as the court process in a manner that someone like me can understand them. I don't care how long your video is, you still concisely explain everything in a manner that even I, a person with 3 college degrees, am completely overwhelmed by our court systems and laws. So do not change anything, and ignore the idiots and trolls because I appreciate everything you have taught me about our courts, laws, and justice system. I thank you for that.

When I bought my house the title company didn't transfer my title, I didn't notice for about a year or so until one day I realized I hadn't paid any property taxes yet. My tax statements were being sent to Bank of America out in California who promptly binned them. If I lived in Michigan and hadn't caught it when I did I could have lost by brand new house.

Your videos are not too long. You explain things in ways everyone can understand. The best teachers I ever had did the very same thing. Keep doing what you doing. Those that think they are too long need a little more patience.

It's never too long if it's educational. Thank you for shining a light on this subject.

THIS VIDEO IS NOT TOO LONG!!!!! It’s been so informative that any persons saying it was not worth the time is just nuts!!! THIS WAS EDUCATIONAL!

It sounds to me like a few county tax officers found a way to make money by "Legally stealing" people 's homes by defaulting them on their taxes and buying their house for the amount of taxes owed and selling the house for market value and keeping the balance. This I believe because it happened to me.

This is NOT too long! It is very important. I live in another country that has similar legal history. Property rights are a very fundamental part of our lives and ability to do business. I'm glad you worked through the legal opinion back to the Magna Carta. That is still a seminal piece of law that underpins our current legal systems. Now I get to face a government that wants to "buy back" personal property of mine that they never sold to me - because they want to. I'm waiting for a class action suit to be established to support and donate to. As citizens we need to constantly push back at the cold, dead hand of government. Great piece.

Wow! I'm impressed by the 6th circuit. I never cease to be amazed and disheartened by the greed and corruption endemic in our "elected" government.

Your videos aren't too long. The greatest appeal of the show is listening to you tell long-winded stories. This is a great length.

THe state will still find a way to keep the cash

I for one appreciate your indepth coverage of these kinds of stories. Thanks!

Steve, thank you for work on these videos! Love listening to you almost every day and my boys have gained much knowledge from your presentation and discussion of the law, courts and your experiences! Again thank you!

Thanks for bringing this important issue to the light. It really is unconscionable! Government is way out of control. Not just Federal I'm talking State and Local too! Wow never thought I'd see this in all my years.

Steve, no need to apologize for the length of your videos. You have some of the best content on law. You present extremely well. I can listen for as long as it take to get the story told. I do go back and listen to previous presentations, they refresh my memory on certain points that are relevant to something else I heard. Thank you for presenting! You must be entertaining at parties and gatherings.. you tell a good story about anything!

This was a breath of fresh air! Makes me happy to hear individual liberties still hold some weight.

Steve the videos are NOT too long, it's great how thoroughly you go through the details!

The people absolutely need to standup and make changes happen Our government is out of control! Enough

The home I am living in was left in tax forclosure in SC and I bid on it in 2018. After the year of waiting. I discovered 5 deeds to the property. No wonder the county could not find the proper owner and the person who they were billing died 2 months after selling. The only true owner did not register his deed before having 7 guys remodel the home. None had a business license or building permit which helped me because when they got caught they all walked away and I bought the home for $12K. Best investment of my life.

Fabulous explanation and fabulous decision! Wish more legislators and judges would read the Constitution.

Never too long on a good well covered topic. Thank you

Where I'm from in KY the people in the city government collude with a private company that flips homes. The city will send fine letters to fix petty things, then start putting leans against the deed/title. If the home owner fails to pay the fines or taxes the city will foreclose on the home, sell it to the private flipper for the amount owed (so they don't have to pay the home owner anything), then get a kickback when the home sells on the open market. It is an open secret here.

Pretty sure a lot of politicians are turning various shades of fish belly white , realizing that this particular racket may soon be shut down HARD . At least they still have other avenues of theft available , and , the age old standby's ( " it's for your safety / protection " , " think of the children ", etc .. ) . Old scams are the best scams .

It is always in the property owner's interest to be in contact with a qualified PROPERTY attorney when they get in these situations. (Find a qualified property attorney is often a real problem.)

This video needed all the attention you gave it, great work Steve!

_"This case is called Hall vs...."_ - I was hoping he'd finish *Oates.* That'd be hilarious.

Don't you just love the Magna Carta. Puts a stop to kleptocratic rule. Thanks for reporting on this. This video was exactly the right length.

One of the tricks that many government entities use is they send out plain envelop stamp/cancel "notice of legal action" such as with code enforcement. So literally it could sit in the mailbox for a week and the contents of the document inside state a deadline of 7 days from the PRINTING of the document or action will be taken. Their choice to plain-paper the letters makes the letters non-binding warnings and the inclusion of a deadline makes them mail fraud. Love the "non profit" money launderer that made more than 30% of the equity.

Accidentally wotching this a second time without remembering I have seen it before. I blame my 7+ decades of life ... I always love it when a court goes back to Magna Carta to slap down an unjust law! And all the other precedents on the way. Reminds me of some of my Constiutuinal Law classes way back in college. And for the importance of the subject matter, this could have been TWICE as long without being "too long".

Thank you for this video. Your videos are not too long. Take all the time you need to say what needs to be said. If they do not like it, they can click away. Again: Thank you for this video. Please keep up the good work.

This was good that you cited the history in the decision. People don't have enough appreciation on how Anglo-American law has evolved over the centuries and how deeply embedded our notion of rights are.

Your videos aren't too long. You explain very complicated matters and provide dummy proof explanations, we appreciate it!

Great to know . I will be watching to see how this goes. For the people. Thank you for putting this in the public eye. Take care.

Your longer videos are always worth listening to. Thanks for the work you put into all of your videos. On the topic at hand, I find it really frustrating that the statute of limitations can apply when the law over the span of those years supported the defendants actions and would have meant your case would likely fail.

I don’t mind how long a video is, as long as it’s informative. Never mind the criers Steve and keep up the good work.

I'm saving this as an educational glimpse of how bad laws are unmade and how mortgage laws grew out of history..... Amazing video, Steve! Thank you for all the details and information! and as to length of the video? Opening statements can and have run longer than an hour in court..... This synopsis is nothing time-wise, by comparison, and can help people understand things. Thank you for, in essence, donating your time to educate us all!

Your videos are never too long for me. I like to expand my knowledge as my own attorney as I have been succesful several times.

No video is too long when the content is interesting and informative!! Please keep up the good work. Thank you

Fantastic. Finally a reaffirmation from the courts that we really are citizens with rights. I was beginning to wonder.

Outrageous! I can't imagine the billing on this! Thanks Steve!

There is no short and also comprehensible way that is reasonably even possible that would allow you to be able to adequately first introduce a case and then provide enough additional details for viewers to then be able to comprehend the case law, historical precedence that exists, and then the ruling on that specific case as well as your summary, analysis, and valued opion Steve. The me, me, me, now, now, now demeanor that creates too many people constantly whining in society because of their lack of genuine appreciation, gratitude, and patience is the actual problem. Not the length of your videos which are relatively short and excellent considering the broad array of very complex legal topics you for all of us fortunately choose to share and chime in on. Thanks brother, I sincerly appreciate every minute of what and how you share when you do Steve.

So lets see. The interest and damages on the $308,000, plus legal fees is going to be way than $22,642. Or perhaps the judge rules that the original closure is reversed, and the property goes back to the owner. Not that the $1 buyer who is in on the fraud will like it.

The local water district about 30 years ago tried to nab a bunch of houses. They had a GC related to one of the board members lined up to buy the houses "at auction", but somehow, the initial bills, the past-due notices, _and_ the auction notices all got "lost in the mail". Fortunately, the rather underpaid secretary took issue with the obvious corruption, and "resent" all the notices with about a week to spare. She lost her job, and then the whole WD board got tossed in the next election.

Government had its own benefit by taking and not renumerating balance above what was owed to the person of equity. The crooks want to have their hand in your pocket.

Thank you for the long video Steve and thank you to all those who have pursued the case and continue to do so.

I'll just mention that 1215 isn't a long time ago. As I write this, it's about seven and a half hours ago.