Econ Focus
The Economics of Eminent Domain
The recent Supreme Court decision on takings encourages economic development leaders but worries some economists
By Doug Campbell
Use of Eminent Domain Before Kelo
Maryland filed 127 condemnation suits to seize property for economic development purposes between 1998 and 2002, ranking it fifth in the nation behind California, Kansas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This is according to the Institute for Justice, a property-rights group opposed to the use of eminent domain for private development.
| Estimated Use of Eminent Domain for Economic Development, 1998-2002 | ||
| Cases Filed | Cases Threatened | |
| District of Columbia | 0 | 0 |
| Maryland | 127 | 1,110 |
| North Carolina | 1 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 0 | 7 |
| Virginia | 58 | 27 |
| West Virginia | 8 | 12 |
| UNITED STATES | 3,722 | 6,560 |
| NOTE: Estimates are based on information compiled from news reports and state court records. | ||
| SOURCE: Public Power, Private Gain, Institute for Justice, April 2003 | ||
(For updated information, see the "50 State Report Card" produced by the Institute for Justice's in August 2007)
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