Monthly Journalism Award

...Nominations for any newspaper, magazine, or radio or television station in the country are welcome...

...This is a case of a well-intentioned law—confiscating assets of major drug dealers—turning bad on the ground, because small-timers are easier to hit...

...20009...

...Nominations for stories published or aired in November will close December 15...

...And the burden of proof for seizing anything from a house to a car to a boat to a compact disc player has been steadily cut down: It's now not "beyond a reasonable doubt" but "more likely than not...

...The winner will be announced in the March issue...

...In a three month investigation of the state's asset forfeiture law, Webb found that county sheriffs and local police departments have collected about $1 billion in just the last five years from people like Greg Augustus, who had $230 in cash confiscated when he was stopped and had prescription pain relievers on him—for his arthritis...

...Please send nominations to Monthly Journalism Award, 1611 Connecticut Ave...

...Because there's no oversight, no statewide reporting requirements, and therefore no accountability, poorer people like Augustus are at a disadvantage when it comes to getting their property back if the charges are dropped or they're acquitted...

...Two copies of the article or broadcast text should accompany the nomination...

...The Washington Monthly Journalism Award for August 1993 is presented to GARY WEBB San Jose Mercury News Cash-strapped California law enforcement agencies took Proposition 13 hard back in the seventies—and suspected (not convicted, mind you, but suspected) minor drug offenders have been paying for it...

...The subject can be government in its federal, state, or municipal manifestation...

...The Monthly Journalism Award is presented each month to the best newspaper, magazine, television, or radio story (or series of stories) on our political system...

...NW, Washington, D.C...