News & Events
October 1st, 2015 — In News & Events
12th Annual Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference October 1 & 2, 2015
This evening Joseph William Singer, Bussey Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, will be presented with the 2015 Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Prize on the campus of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Professor Singer will be the 12th recipient of this prestigious award which is presented annually to a scholar, lawyer or jurist whose work has advanced the cause of property rights and has contributed to the overall awareness of the...
Read MoreSeptember 30th, 2015 — In News & Events
Latest Developments Regarding Eminent Domain and the Keystone XL Pipeline
Since President Obama’s veto of a Senate bill authorizing construction of the Keystone XL pipeline in February, speculation regarding the ultimate fate of the pipeline project has continued to swirl. As we fast approach the seven-year anniversary of the Keystone XL pipeline’s original proposal, Congress, the Canadian government, residents along the pipeline’s proposed path and TransCanada (the oil company behind the pipeline) all appear to be getting anxious about...
Read MoreSeptember 10th, 2015 — In News & Events
State Legislators Reconsidering Key Eminent Domain Issues in 2015
While the Keystone XL pipeline and other condemnation matters make national headlines, state lawmakers across the country are proposing legislation to protect property owners’ rights. In this article, we review four state legislative efforts that could reshape eminent domain law and property rights in 2015 and beyond.
Read MoreAugust 31st, 2015 — In Articles
U.S. House of Representatives Re-Introduces Bill Limiting the Government’s Exercise of Eminent Domain
United States Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) has re-introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would place limits on federal, state and local governments’ exercise of the power of eminent domain. If passed, the Private Property Rights Protection Act (PPRPA) would provide a financial disincentive for state and local government agencies seeking to condemn private property for purposes of “economic development.”
Read MoreAugust 14th, 2015 — In Articles
It’s Been 10 Years Since Kelo v. City of New London. Where are We Now?
On June 23, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down one of the most controversial property rights decisions in recent history. The Court’s 5-4 decision holding that New London, CT could condemn 15 homes and transfer ownership to a private entity for the purpose of encouraging “economic development” sent a shockwave through the property rights landscape and ignited a decade’s worth of debates, court battles and legislative efforts in...
Read MoreJuly 23rd, 2015 — In News & Events
OCA and The Counselors of Real Estate Announce a Webinar Today Focused on the Impact of the Controversial Kelo Decision
Today, Owners’ Counsel of America and The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) will present our first cooperative webinar: Kelo v. New London: The Grasping Hand and Its Legacy at 12:30 PM (Eastern) / 11:30 AM (Central) / 10:30 AM (Mountain) / 9:30 AM (Pacific) / 6:30 AM (Hawaiian). Participants can register here.
Read MoreJune 25th, 2015 — In Articles
Property Owners’ Frequently Asked Questions About Eminent Domain
When you learn that your property may be condemned, you need information and advice as to how to proceed and what actions to take. Here are a number of common questions and answers which may be helpful, including: What is eminent domain? Who can use eminent domain? What does "public use" mean? Can eminent domain be used to take my property and give it to another private party?
Read MoreApril 16th, 2015 — In News & Events
Virginia Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Landowners in Eminent Domain Case: Condemnor’s Initial Appraisal is an Admission of Value
This morning the Virginia Supreme Court issued its opinion in Ramsey v. Commissioner of Highways, No. 149029, finding that the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) initial pre-condemnation appraisal is not a confidential offer of settlement, but rather, an admission of value that should be considered as evidence at trial.
Read MoreMarch 26th, 2015 — In News & Events
Owners’ Counsel of America Files Amicus Brief Supporting Landowner in Eminent Domain Case Before Oregon Supreme Court
The Owners’ Counsel of America (OCA) together with the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and Oregonians In Action (OIA) filed an amicus brief supporting the property owner in State of Oregon v. Alderwoods (Oregon), Inc., case number S062766. The brief asks the Oregon Supreme Court to confirm a long-standing rule that owners of property directly adjacent to a highway have a right to direct access to the roadway.
Read MoreMarch 20th, 2015 — In News & Events
Amici Brief Supporting California Property Owners in Eminent Domain Case Argues the Sky Will Not Fall if the State Follows Procedures
The Owners’ Counsel of America (OCA) and the National Federation of IndependentBusiness (NFIB) Small Business Legal Center have filed an amici curiae brief in support of Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta property and business owners in Property Reserve, Inc. v. Superior Court, case number S217738.
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