Tipsheet

It's June 2006. Do You Know Where Your House Is?

The Institute for Justice, which defended Susette Keol's property rights, is marking the 1-year anniversary of the Kelo decision.

They've got five new studies on the eminent domain in the wake of Kelo, legislative action to curb the effects of Kelo, myths and realities of eminent domain, and an eminent domain survival guide.

Up in New London, the issue is still up for discussion. The local paper ran a poll this week:


Should the city hold a referendum on whether the Kelo and Cristofaro properties should be taken?

"Yes" is winning.

There's a property-rights rally to mark the anniversary tomorrow in Philly.

Here's a comprehensive list of rallies all over the U.S.

Castle Coalition illustrates the problem with an interactive map of eminent domain abuse. The number of pins on this map is frightening.

Tim Worstall commisserates with us, but says things could be worse-- like in his native UK:


It's an old saying, a trope or a truism if you prefer, that "An Englishman's home is his castle". Whatever happens outside in the streets, whatever idiocies the current political pygmies have decided to inflict upon the populace, the possession and enjoyment of one's own property was safe, guarded by both law and custom. Certainly there were eminent domain purchases, broadly in line with American practice but as of the first of this month the government no longer even has to pay.

Yes, you did read that correctly, your paid off, unmortgaged, fully owned property can be taken away from you without your even being paid for it.

Investor's Business Daily marks some progress on the state legislative front:


The decision, issued a year ago Friday, sparked outrage across the nation and moved state and local lawmakers to pass laws curbing eminent domain abuse.

In the past year, 25 states have enacted such laws. Three more states need only the governor's signature for measures to become law.

But local governments also have moved against many more property owners, according to the Institute for Justice.