Summary
Contents
Subject index
Acclaimed by researchers, students, and general readers, this informative, lively, and easy-to-use volume fills the public need for information about key recent and historical cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Now significantly updated, this new edition includes all the new major cases-over twenty five in total-handed down by the Court since the first edition was published in 2000. The new entries include many high-profile cases that have stirred public controversy, including: Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000), granting the right to exclude homosexuals from leadership positions in the Boy Scouts; Bush v. Gore (2000), ceasing ballot recounts in the 2000 presidential election; PGA Tour v. Martin (2001), obliging the PGA to accommodate a disabled golfer; Lawrence v. Texas (2003), stating that a law criminalizing same-sex sodomy violates due process; Gratz/Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), stating that an affirmative action program to achieve diversity in universities may or may not violate the equal protection clause, depending on how it's implemented. In each of the over 100 cases summarized, author Tony Mauro succinctly describes the decision, provides background and facts of the case, the vote and highlights of the decision with verbatim excerpts, and, in conclusion, discusses the long-term impact of the decision on United States citizens and U.S. society. Topic search aids let readers easily trace the evolution and impact of rulings in particular issue areas. Added features also enhance the volume, including many new portraits, political cartoons, and drawings, a comprehensive bibliography and an easy-to-access case/subject index. A perfect starting point for research on Supreme Court decisions, this newly updated volume is an essential addition to every public, high school, and college library.
Kelo v. City of New London
Kelo v. City of New London
Decided June 23, 2005
No. 04-108
http://laws.findlaw.com/US/000/04-108.html
Decision
Governments do not violate the Fifth Amendment when they take private property and turn it over to other private owners as part of an economic development plan.
Background
Even though ownership of private property is a cherished U.S. value, it has long been recognized that governments have the power to seize property for “public use.” The classic example is construction of a public highway, where government agencies have the unquestioned ability to take private properties that are in the path of the project, as long as they compensate the owners for their loss.
This concept, known as “eminent domain,” is embodied in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, a grab-bag amendment that includes ...
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