concurring.
The only question raised by this appeal is whether the in rem civil forfeiture action constituted “punishment” for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause of the United States Constitution. I am bound to follow the principles set forth in United States v. Ursery,3 in deciding the issue, and I agree with the majority that Ursery controls this issue adversely to Murphy. I write to emphasize that this case raises no issue regarding the Double Jeopardy Clause of our State Constitution.4
*122David S. West, Bruce S. Harvey, for appellant. Daniel J. Porter, District Attorney, Thomas W. Hayes, Assistant District Attorney, Gary D. Bergman, Aimee R. Maxwell, Davis, Zipperman, Kirschenbaum & Lotito, Nicholas A. Lotito, Garland, Samuel & Loeb, Donald F. Samuel, for appellee.518 U. S. _ (116 SC 2135, 135 LE2d 549) (1996).
See Art. I, Sec. I, Par. XVIII of the 1983 Georgia Constitution.