CONFISCATION, in Roman law the seizure and transfer of private property to the fiscus by the emperor ; hence the appro priation, under legal authority, of private property to the State. In common law the term embraces forfeiture (q.v.) in the case of goods, and escheat (q.v.) in the case of lands, for crime or in default of heirs. Goods may also be confiscated for breaches of statutes relating to customs, excise or explosives. The word is used, popularly, of spoliation under legal forms, or of any seizure of property without adequate compensation. (See COMPENSATION.)