When Government Takes Private Property

Alice Beasley of Erickson, Beasley, Hewitt & Wilson LLP offers a legal introduction to takings law in Western City Magazine.

1 minute read

May 8, 2003, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"When private clients consult an eminent domain lawyer, often their first question is, 'What can you do to stop this? I don’t want my property (or my house or my business) taken by the government.' More than 99 times out of 100, the answer is 'Nothing.' The lawyer's role is generally limited to obtaining the best possible price for the client's property. Most citizens are shocked to learn that their rights of private property ownership are subordinate to the government’s needs."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Thursday, May 8, 2003 in Western City

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