Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005), was a case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court involving the  use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development. The case arose from the condemnation by New London, Connecticut, of privately owned real property so that it could be used as part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan. The Court held in a 5-4 decision that general benefits a community enjoyed from economic growth qualified such redevelopment plans as a permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the fifth amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  The decision was widely criticized by those who viewed the outcome as a violation of property rights and as a misinterpretation of the fifth amendment, and that it will benefit large corporations at the expense of individual homeowners and local communities. 

California voters are asked to consider limits to be placed on this scope of the use of eminent domain. Check out the important and valuable Proposition 98 as proposed for elections in June, 2008.  [See www.ExploreRealEstate.net]