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Rutgers Law Review Article Advocates Replacing Restitution Litigation with Prosecutions

Posted by Nicholas O'Donnell on May 22, 2013 at 6:12 AM

The Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion has published a provocative article that advocates a bold new take on Holocaust art restitution litigation. The thesis of the piece is easily gleaned from its title: “Nazi Looted Art and Cocaine: When Museum Directors Take It, Call the Cops.” In a nutshell, the article argues that if artwork were stolen during World War II, it can never be acquired legitimately thereafter, and its possession is by definition a violation of the National Stolen Property Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2314—or even the Racketeer-Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

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Topics: 18 U.S.C. § 2314, Girolamo Romano, Christ Carrying the Cross Dragged by a Rogue, Bakalar v. Vavra, Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion, Raymond Dowd, Egon Schiele, ARCA Conference, Portrait of Wally, RICO, Washington Principles, Racketeer-Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, National Stolen Property Act, Copyright Litigation Blog

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The Art Law Report provides timely updates and commentary on legal issues in the museum and visual arts communities. It is authored by Nicholas M. O'Donnell, partner in our Art & Museum Law Practice.

The material on this site is for general information only and is not legal advice. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage which may result from reliance on it. Always consult a qualified lawyer about a specific legal problem.

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