DePaul University The Kelo Case Parties Involved Public Use Significance Analysis
- Chapter 4 discusses government controls, including eminent domain. Watch this youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwCdfd5g0C8) which does a great job of explaining both sides of the famous Kelo supreme court case. The entire recording is over 1 hour, but you can focus on the first 30 minutes or so. There is a brief introduction, then a roughly 25 minute documentary
- Explain what eminent domain and the takings clause are. What is the significance of public use vs public purpose?
- Who were the parties involved in the Kelo case and what were their respective arguments? Be specific: who was interviewed from the city perspective and why did they want to use eminent domain? Were there underlying economic or demographic reasons that drove them? Who were the people on the other side of the case and what were their arguments?
- How did the supreme court rule in this case? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
- How did many states react after this supreme court decision?
- What other cases can you find of eminent domain? Find at least one other case of eminent domain and summarize it for your group. How is it similar and how is it different from the Kelo case?
