Kelo v. City of New London Reading List

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Kelo v. City of New London. Owners of 15 homes in New London, Conn.'s Fort Trumbull neighborhood are fighting a large eminent domain condemnation designed to pave the way for a new industrial complex. The Institute for Justice is representing the homeowners, and eminent domain buffs are watching keenly. Some background:

IJ's Kelo resources. About the neighborhood. Kelo is being heard in the context of last year's reversal of the notorious Poletown ruling by the Michigan supreme court. A view of the neighborhood, which I would say looks austere but not "blighted"—the standard SCOTUS established in 1954. More views of Fort Trumbull are available to those willing to complete an onerous registration (which, word of warning, I was unable to complete) at The Day newspaper. Is lead plaintiff Susette Kelo's dream house "pink" or "apricot"? Kelo supporters demonstrate as far away as St. Louis.

At Reason: Michael Lynch first wrote about the case back in 2001. Jonathan Rauch argues that skullduggery bad enough for George W. Bush and The New York Times is bad enough for New London. Jacob Sullum considers Kelo and celebrates the end of Poletown. You, the fabulous little people, discuss both cases.

How will the absence of Chief Justice William Rehnquist tilt the case? Take this Kelo simulation and find out.

Or just take a tour of Fort Trumbull State Park.