CLE 123 inc.

Supreme Court Argument - Kelo v. City of New London (Eminent Domain Powers being used to aid Private Develoment)

Facts of the case: 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. Susette Kelo 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 that taking private property to sell to private developers was not public use. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled for New London.
Question: Does a city violate the Fifth Amendment's takings clause if the city takes private property and sells it for private development, with the hopes the development will help the city's bad economy?

About the Lecturer

Mr. Jeffrey B. Gold Esq.

Jeffrey B. Gold is a partner in the Law Firm of Gold, Stewart, Kravatz, Benes & Stone LLP in Westbury, NY.

Mr. Gold's practice consists of insurance coverage, personal injury and commercial litigation.  He can be reached at (516) 512-6333 or at jgold@goldstewart.com.