Masters of Eminent Domain
The good folks at the Institute for Justice have compiled a terrifyingly complete record of eminent domain abuses over the past five years in these United States.
No one?at least no one besides lawyers and bureaucrats?would think ?public use? means a casino, condominiums or a private office building. Yet these days, that?s exactly how state and local governments use eminent domain?as part of corporate welfare incentive packages and deals for more politically favored businesses. This is the first report ever to document and quantify the uses and threats of eminent domain for private parties. We have compiled this information from published accounts and court papers covering the five-year period from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2002. The results are chilling.
Check it out here, wipe your eyes with a copy of the Constitution, and then bitch at your nearest local official the next time they start eyeing your neighbor's property.