Eminent Domain

Most of us have never had to deal with the unpleasantness of eminent domain, and hopefully won’t ever have to in our lifetime. Eminent domain refers to the power of government to seize private property for government use or delegation to a third party for public or economic development. One of the most infamous eminent domain cases revolved around property seizure in New London, Conn.; property which was then handed over to a mega pharmaceutical company planning development in the area. After forcing numerous persons off their land and out of their homes this giant corporation recently decided not to develop the “acquired” property. This type of injustice has happened far too many times and generally without anyone other than the victims knowing about it. The renewed attention on the New London property seizure and the consequent disuse of the land has resulted in a revived and vehement interest in revising the archaic law of eminent domain, a change that is blaringly way past due.