John Ross on the Return of Eminent Domain Abuse
Eminent domain abuse has fallen considerably since its high-water mark in 2005 when, in Kelo v. New London, the Supreme Court ruled that local officials can condemn property on the basis that there may be an alternate use for it that might generate greater tax revenue. Faced with outraged electorates, legislators in 45 states have since rewritten their eminent domain laws to protect property owners from grabby local governments, or at least to give the appearance of doing so. According to John Ross, as the economy recovers and property becomes more desirable, and in spite of new laws, we're likely to see a rise in abuse of eminent domain throughout the country.