United States v. One Lucite Ball Containing Lunar Material
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
252 F. Supp. 2d 1367 (2003)
- Written by Curtis Parvin, JD
Facts
In 1973, President Richard Nixon gifted Honduras a moon rock with a descriptive plaque. A few years later, the Honduran president was overthrown in a coup, and several government changes occurred before democratic elections were restored. During that time, the moon rock and plaque were lost. The items were later acquired by Alan Rosen, who confirmed the authenticity of the moon rock and plaque. The United States Customs Service (USCS) became aware of Rosen’s attempt to sell the moon rock and plaque through a sting operation. The USCS took possession of the items under a seizure warrant issued by a United States magistrate judge. Honduras requested that the rock be sent back to the Honduran government to benefit the Honduran people. The United States (plaintiff) filed an in rem forfeiture action. Rosen argued for the return of the items to Rosen’s possession.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Jordan, J.)
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