The Law School Authority  Kelo v. City of New London  Summary of
Kelo v. City of New London  Citation:  545 U.S. 469  Relevant
Facts:  Following years of decline, the City of New London
purchased property from willing sellers in a distressed part of
the municipality.  The City then sought to acquire remaining
properties from unwilling sellers through the use of eminent
domain, and offered property owners compensation.  Issue:  Does
the stated goal of economic development fall within the
definition of public use within the Takings Clause of the 5th
Amendment?  (As an alternative:  Does a taking whereby a
municipality acquires property for transfer to another private
entity with the stated public objective of improved economic
conditions constitute a valid public use under the Takings
Clause?)  Holding:  Economic development is a valid public
policy objective and legitimate rationale for employing eminent
domain, notwithstanding subsequent transfer to another private
entity or individual.  Reasoning:  The court