The taking of private property
Written by John D’Aloia Jr. ".... nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation." - - U.S. Constitution, Amendment V. The taking of property by eminent domain for reasons that do not meet the historic definition of "public use" has been much in the news since the Supreme Court handed down its infamous Kelo decision. Eminent domain is not the only way that private property can be acquired by government. Placing restrictions on the land by law or regulation can also be a taking that warrants just compensation. The Pottawatomie County Commission has adopted a change…