IPI Policy Basics: The Proper Use of Eminent Domain (Audio: Podcast)
Eminent domain, or the taking of property for a public use, is a perfectly constitutional, if sometimes controversial, function of government and government-approved private actors. So long as the constitutional requirements are met--that it be for a public use and the owner receive just compensation, eminent domain is legitimate. But what is a public use? And what is just compensation? And was the Kelo decision right or wrong? IPI President Tom Giovanetti leads a discussion about eminent domain with the assistance of Resident Scholar Dr. Merrill Matthews