General Articles

August 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 More

Sharing is caring!

June 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 More

Sharing is caring!

January 13th, 2015 — By  Doug Ruge — In Articles

“It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over:” Nebraska Supreme Court Rules (or Maybe Not) on the Validity of the TransCanada XL Pipeline Route Approval Through Nebraska

Probably no appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court has been watched more closely by more people than the challenge to the statutory routing process for the proposed TransCanada XL Pipeline.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

April 30th, 2014 — By  Doug Ruge — In Articles

The Saga of the Keystone Pipelines in Nebraska: Unconstitutional Regulation, and Lessons on How to Acquire Property and How Not to Acquire Property

Members of Owner’s Counsel of America, who regularly represent property owners in condemnation situations, tend to be naturally very protective of private property rights. We enjoy events that shed light on this dark corner of the law, especially when they help to shape public opinion in favor of property rights.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

January 25th, 2012 — By  Mark M. Murakami — In Articles

Motion for Leave to File Brief Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner and Brief Amicus Curiae of Owners Counsel of America in Support of Petitioner, Stop the Beach Renourishment v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, No. 08-11 (June 17, 2010), Robert H. Thomas (Hawaii), Counsel of Record.

In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court considered whether a 2008 Florida Supreme Court decision upholding the Florida Beach and Shore Preservation Act which reversed a century of Florida law was a "judicial taking." The Court found that the Florida court's decision neither violated the Fifth Amendment's due process guarantee nor consituted a taking of private property.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

January 23rd, 2012 — By  Mark M. Murakami — In Articles

Motion for Leave to File Brief Amicus Curiae and Brief Amicus Curiae of Owners Counsel of America in Support of the Petitioner, River Center LLC v. Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, No. 11-922 (cert. petition filed Jan. 23, 2012), Robert H. Thomas (Hawaii), Counsel of Record.

This case involved one of the largest condemnations of private property in the history of New York City. At issue were important questions concerning the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

July 17th, 2011 — By  Michael Rikon, CRE — In Articles

“Moving the Cat into the Hat: The Pursuit of Fairness in Condemnation, or, Whatever Happened to Creating a Partnership of Planning?” by Michael Rikon (New York)

In this 2011 article, Mr. Rikon criticizes Article 2 of New York's Eminent Domain Procedure Law (EDPL), the procedure used to approve and challenge condemnation.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

June 17th, 2011 — By  Hertha L. Lund — In Articles

“Kelo in the Country…HB198 and the taking of rural property” by Hertha Lund (Montana)

This article argues against Montana House Bill 198 that seeks to grant the power of eminent domain to a Canadian power company in order for that company to acquire private property throughout Montana for the purposes of constructing a private (for profit) "merchant" transmission line.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

July 1st, 2009 — In Articles

“Fair Market Value in a Down Market” by Alan T. Ackerman (Michigan)

This excerpt from the American Bar Association's 2009 annual review questions the ability to establish fair market value during a down real estate market. Mutual motivation and market timing are two key factors examined.

Read More

Sharing is caring!

July 1st, 2008 — In Articles

“The Perils of Prior Appraisal” by Michael Rikon (New York)

In this 2008 article, Mr. Rikon supports New York's two-step appraisal law for inverse condemnation but cautions against requesting draft appraisals since they are admissible at trial and may create problems by undermining the credibility of the appraiser.

Read More

Sharing is caring!