The Law Ep 20, Kelo v City of New London

The Launch Pad Media

In a 5-4 decision, the SCOTUS declares that the state may use eminent domain under the Fifth Amendment’s Taking Clause because “economic development” is a “public use.” In other words, Josette Kelo and others could be forced out of their homes because the government wanted to use their property for commercial development. As Justice O’Connor’s dissent points out, this case effectively repealed the “public use” requirement of the Fifth Amendment.