Friday, January 29, 2010

Kelo v. City of New London

http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2004/2004_04_108
New London, a city in Connecticut, used its eminent domain authority to seize private property to sell to private developers. The city said developing the land would create jobs and increase tax revenues. Kelo Susette and others whose property was seized sued New London in state court. The property owners argued the city violated the Fifth Amendment's takings clause, which guaranteed the government will not take private property for public use without just compensation. Specifically the property owners argued taking private property to sell to private developers was not public use. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled for New London.

Guess what eventually happened to the private properties seized? The entire project was canceled, because Pfizer pulled out due to budget cuts. Oops.

No comments:

Post a Comment