Forum Elicits Opposing Views on Eminent Domain

by Timothy Sandefur

In St. Charles, Missouri, a debate rages about proposed guidelines for the use of eminent domain. This article once again employs a strange buzzword that keeps cropping up in these discussions: Lawyers, elected officials and St. Charles County residents described eminent domain as a redevelopment tool…." Okay, so it's a tool. So what? How does that change the fact that eminent domain for redevelopment consists of taking away someone's property and giving it to someone else? Calling it a "tool" hardly makes it just to steal people's property for economic development.