The most important case of this Supreme Court term is being heard today. The issue involves whether municipalities can condemn non-blighted areas and tracts of land and sell them to private developers for the purpose of economic development under the 5th Amendment's "public use" doctrine. More specifically, is economic development a valid "public use" that allows governments to take people's homes if it will increase the aesthetic appeal and tax base of the community? My personal position is ABSOLUTELY NOT. Is that clear enough?
The Federalist Society at the University of Minnesota will be hosting a debate on this topic this upcoming Thursday (Feb. 24) at 12:15 in Room 50 of the Law School for those interested in attending. Dana Berliner, who will argue the case today in front of SCOTUS, will be a participant.
More on this landmark case can be read here, here, and here, as well as some editorials here and here.