Legal and Policy Studies

Eminent Domain | Private Property
California Scheming
The report summarizes the legal history and areas of contention behind eminent domain for private development in California.

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.

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…

Eminent Domain | Private Property
A False Sense of Security
Washington state law is rife with opportunities for eminent domain abuse.

Eminent Domain | Private Property
Myths and Realities of Eminent Domain Abuse
The report debunks several of the most prevalent myths about eminent domain for private gain.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.