Challenges To Eminent Domain: Legal Defenses for Property Owners

The Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution grants the government the power of eminent domain to take private property for public use with just compensation. While this is often used for necessary projects such as roads, schools, and hospitals, it can also be used for less beneficial purposes, such as economic development or to benefit private interests.

If you believe the government is taking your property through eminent domain without following the proper procedures, you may be able to challenge the taking. Below delves into the legal defenses that property owners can use with the help of an eminent domain and condemnation lawyer.

Legal Defenses for Landowners in Challenging Eminent Domain

Inadequate Public Purpose

The government can only condemn private property through eminent domain if it has a legitimate public purpose. This means that the property must be taken to benefit the public, not just a small group of people.

Landowners can challenge the government's claim of public use by arguing that the property is unnecessary for the proposed project. They may also argue that the project is not beneficial to the public.

When dividing assets and property, they might contend that the government is taking their property to build a new highway, asserting that the highway is unnecessary. They might also argue that the highway will harm the public by increasing traffic congestion and pollution.

Insufficient Necessity

Even if the government has a legitimate public purpose for taking private property, it must still show that the property is necessary for the project. This means the government cannot take more property than it needs for the project.

Land possessors can challenge the government's claim of necessity by arguing that the project could be built without taking their property. They may also argue that the government could acquire the property through other means, such as purchase or lease.

One might contend that the government aims to take their property to build a new school, but they could propose that an alternative site that does not require private property is available. Additionally, they might suggest that the government could purchase the property from them at a fair price instead of invoking eminent domain.

Unfair Compensation

The government must also offer proprietors fair compensation for their property. This means that the compensation must be equal to the property's fair market value, considering its uses and potential uses.

Proprietors can challenge the government's offer of compensation by arguing that it is too low. They may also argue that the government has not evaluated all the factors affecting the property's fair market value.

Owners could assert that the government's compensation offer fails to consider their property's location in a desirable area with good schools and amenities. They might also contend that the government has not considered that their property is utilized for a business that would be compelled to relocate if the property is taken.

Private Use

The government cannot take private property for the benefit of a private party. This means the government cannot take property from one person and give it to another, even if the second person is a private company.

Owners can challenge the government's taking if they believe that the property is being taken for the benefit of a private party, such as a developer or a corporation.

A homeowner might argue that the government is taking their property to build a new shopping mall but that the shopping mall will benefit the developer who is building it, not the public as a whole.

Contact an Eminent Domain Attorney

Protecting your property rights is important, and an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process of eminent domain. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in court if necessary. Several legal defenses are available to property owners facing eminent domain; however, acting swiftly to protect your rights is crucial.