Legal and Policy Studies

California Scheming

Eminent Domain | Private Property

California Scheming

The report summarizes the legal history and areas of contention behind eminent domain for private development in California.

50 State Report Card

Eminent Domain | Private Property

50 State Report Card

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s now-infamous decision in Kelo v. New London, 44 states have passed new laws aimed at curbing the abuse of eminent domain for private use.

Dreher and Echeverria

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Dreher and Echeverria

In the fight to protect home and small business owners from the government’s abuse of eminent domain, it was only a matter of time until the apologists of the practice—taking property from one private individual…

A False Sense of Security

Eminent Domain | Private Property

A False Sense of Security

Washington state law is rife with opportunities for eminent domain abuse.

Redevelopment Wrecks

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Redevelopment Wrecks

Cities and developers tend to overhype the benefits of private development projects that use eminent domain. But many of these projects are failures.

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Opening the Floodgates

One year after the U.S. Supreme Court case, Kelo v. New London, local governments threatened eminent domain or condemned at least 5,783 homes, businesses, churches and other properties so that they could be transferred to…

School Choice and the North Carolina Constitution

Educational Choice

School Choice and the North Carolina Constitution

Education has always been an issue of central concern for the people of North Carolina. Even before statehood, the area’s colonists made concerted efforts to secure the blessings of education for their children. In 1776,…

Economic Liberty | Hair Braiding

A Dream Deferred

Hair braiding provides outstanding economic opportunities, but licensure requirements in many states have given mainstream cosmetologists a near monopoly.

Kelo v. City of New London

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Kelo v. City of New London

This white paper explains to both legislators and the general public why eminent domain reform is needed after the Kelo v. New London decision.

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Eminent Domain Abuse Survival Guide

Activists nationwide have used the Eminent Domain Abuse Survival Guide to successfully fight illegitimate land-grabs. Expanding on the most effective practical strategies to protect your property outside of the courtroom, the Survival Guide is designed…

Policing and Prosecuting for Profit

Civil Forfeiture | Private Property

Policing and Prosecuting for Profit

In 2002, New Jersey’s Carol Thomas made headlines after her teenage son used her 1990 Ford Thunderbird to sell marijuana to an undercover police officer. He was arrested, pled guilty and faced his punishment. However,…

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Public Power, Private Gain

In the first-ever report to document private-to-private takings, the Institute for Justice found more than 10,000 instances of eminent domain abuse in just a five-year-period.

Government Theft

Eminent Domain | Private Property

Government Theft

The Institute for Justice brings together the 10 most egregious uses of eminent domain for private purposes from 1998 to 2001.