BAS, LLC, et al. v. Tommy Land
California brothers challenge Arkansas’ claim that states can take private property without paying
Sovereign immunity is not the silver bullet the State of Arkansas claims. Under decades of legal precedent, the government’s constitutional obligations to citizens qualify as “waivers” of sovereign immunity, meaning citizens do not have to wait for the government to give them permission to sue over a violation of their constitutional rights. These “waivers” include the government's obligation to pay you when they take your property.
SW Nashville EB Owner, LLC v. Metro Government of Nashville, et al.
Nashville business sues local government for “land banking” property through endless permit delays
Rather than pay for the land it wants, the government tried to keep the property available for its own future use for free by locking SW Nashville into an indefinite building moratorium. Years later, the government continues to refuse to issue permits, just in case it wants to seize the land in the future. Now, SW Nashville is on the hook for over $8.2 million—and counting—in taxes and maintenance fees for property it cannot use or sell.
Carol G. Edwards v. City of Altamonte Springs, Florida, et al.
Florida retiree fights City’s $250,000 fine for allegedly “unpermitted” dock that was approved 30 years prior
The City violated Carol’s constitutional rights by imposing hundreds of thousands of dollars in still-accruing fines without due process or the opportunity for appeal. Represented at no cost by Pacific Legal Foundation, Carol Edwards is filing a federal lawsuit against the City of Altamonte Springs for violating her constitutional rights by imposing excessive fines without a jury trial.
Wilmer Chavarria v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Vermont school superintendent challenges policies permitting warrantless search and seizure of electronic devices at the border
Americans don’t surrender their constitutional rights as the price of international travel. CBP policies that claim to give its employees the power to search and seize electronic devices without a warrant violate the Fourth Amendment and therefore should be set aside.
Michael Pung v. Isabella County
County seizes family home over tax bill that was never owed
The Supreme Court will decide whether Scott Pung’s heirs are entitled to the equity they had in their longtime family home.
John Levy v. California Coastal Commission
Homeowner challenges California Coastal Commission’s power to levy crippling fines
Mr. Levy argues that this method of operation makes the California Coastal Commission prosecutor, judge, and beneficiary—in violation of Americans’ Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Venus Bontadelli v. City of Powell
Woman challenged standardless “exotic pet” permit after Wyoming city bans her pet goat
Represented at no cost by Pacific Legal Foundation, Venus Bontadelli filed a lawsuit to challenge the city of Powell’s arbitrary denial of her permit and to fight for the right to bring Porsche Lane home.
State of Washington v. Tim Eyman
Washington activist challenges crushing government fines that ignore ability to pay
For two decades, Tim Eyman was Washington’s most prolific citizen activist, sponsoring 17 statewide ballot initiatives. His most notable success, Initiative 695, slashed car tab fees to $30 and proved wildly popular with voters—saving taxpayers an estimated $750 million in its first year alone. Washington’s political establishment despised him for it. In 2017, the State […]
Faytima Howard v. Macomb County
Michigan woman asks Supreme Court to end state's home equity theft work-around
The county sold her home at auction for $499,007—nearly twenty times what she owed. Under the Constitution's Takings Clause, as the Supreme Court confirmed in Tyler v. Hennepin County, the government must pay property owners for any excess value beyond the debt owed.