Should the state have a claim on the dead?

There was a vigorous discussion on the eGroup recently, on the issue of estate tax. Estate tax is a tax that many governments levy on the property of the dead, and claim it from those who inherit the property. The question under discussion was whether government could claim a stake in the body and property of any person after his death? On the intellectual plane, the question that was raised is does the dead possess any right? What would be the status of the property earned by the person after his death? On the practical side, the question was, given that governments are to provide the core services, such as law and order, and judiciary, could an estate tax on the property of the dead be used to finance the government. A corollary was, could the government, seize the body of the dead, and harvest the organs for the benefit of those who may need a transplant.

The detailed discussion, and the various arguments can be read at the thread "Estate tax under objectivism", in the eGroup. If you are not a member, you are welcome to join the eGroup, the goal is to discuss the implications and impact of Ayn Rand's ideas in today's world.