The seizure of property by the government which was derived from criminal activity is called?

The term that describes the seizure of property by the government that is derived from criminal activity is known as forfeiture. This legal process allows authorities to take possession of assets that are believed to be the proceeds of illegal activities or used in the commission of a crime. Forfeiture serves multiple purposes, including deterring crime and removing incentives for criminal behavior by stripping offenders of the gains from their illicit activities.

This process can be civil or criminal; in civil forfeiture, the property itself is considered guilty and thus can be seized regardless of a conviction of the owner, while in criminal forfeiture, it typically follows a conviction for the crime associated with the property. Forfeiture is governed by specific laws and procedures that vary by jurisdiction, with the aim of promoting justice and maintaining public safety.