Eminent Domain at the Oscars?

The movie Little Pink House focuses upon the battle over eminent domain in a landmark SCOTUS case.

In what may be a first, there is Oscars buzz for a movie focused on eminent domain. The “buzz” is not necessarily coming from the movie industry but was raised by conservative columnist George Will. However, any popular publicity is more than what normally exists.

The movie Little Pink House focuses upon Susette Kelo, who challenged the city of New London, Connecticut’s decision to use eminent domain to acquire property for a private research facility. Kelo’s case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court, where five justices allowed the taking to occur. This article discusses both the movie and the eventual result of the development (it was not apparently good – the former home is apparently now a vacant lot).

The Kelo decision resulted in popular revulsion at the perceived abuse of eminent domain to dispossess people from their property for the benefit of for-profit corporations. Indeed, in Michigan, a Constitutional amendment resulted that restricted the use of eminent domain and provided other benefits to owners. This article that I published in 2007 discusses how the Kelo decision spurred changes in Michigan law.

Please feel free to contact me if you are facing any eminent domain issues.