Criminal Justice & Due Process – Timeline of Key Acts

Federal criminal justice reform has focused on balancing law enforcement authority with constitutional protections for individuals. Below is a timeline of major acts that continue to shape modern due process and sentencing.

Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA, 2000)

• Established procedural safeguards for property owners in civil forfeiture cases.
• Required the government to prove forfeiture cases by a preponderance of evidence.
• Created an “innocent owner” defense and hardship release provisions.

First Step Act (2018)

• Major bipartisan sentencing and prison reform law.
• Reduced mandatory minimums for certain drug crimes, expanded the “safety valve” exception.
• Made the Fair Sentencing Act (2010) retroactive, addressing crack/powder cocaine disparities.
• Expanded rehabilitation and early release opportunities for federal prisoners.

Why It Matters Today

These reforms:

• Protect property rights from overreach by law enforcement.
• Provide sentencing relief and rehabilitation opportunities.
• Highlight the ongoing debate over mass incarceration, due process, and proportional justice.

Official Sources

• U.S. Code – Title 18 (Crimes and Criminal Procedure)
• Congress.gov – CAFRA 2000
• Congress.gov – First Step Act 2018

• Criminal Justice
• Due Process
• Sentencing
• Property Rights
• Timeline