Bellwork

In your own words, explain the legal principle of Eminent Domain.

Be prepared to volunteer your answer out loud

Eminent Domain

1. Discuss what you already know about Eminent Domain

2. In SIX groups of 4 students read FAQ’s about Eminent

Domain and provide feedback to the class

4. Watch a music video discussing the US Supreme Court case

Kelo v. City of New London

5. Write a legal brief!

Agenda

FocusWhat will you be able to do afterward?

This lesson will build on your previous lessons in respect to:* Differences between Public and Private* Constitutional Powers: the 5th Amendment

•Better understand Eminent Domain•Identify a potential area of the law for

future employment•Help your community organize to defend

itself against Eminent Domain•Understand the perspectives surrounding

the use of Eminent Domain•Become familiar with how Eminent

Domain has evolved over time

F.A.Q.’s about Eminent Domain

Instructions:

1. Get into 6 groups of roughly equal size2. Each group receives a FAQ from the FindLaw website regarding Eminent Domain3. Each group reads their FAQ together.4. Present your FAQ and summarize the answer with EXAMPLES if possible

1. Assign the following roles:1. Reader (reads aloud to your group)2. Time keeper (your group must be ready to present in 5 minutes)3. Recorder (writes down important points as they are read)4. Presenter (explains findings to the class…short and sweet)

Takings Clause

Condemnation

1

How is the value of your property established?

2

Condemnation

Dedication of Land

Exceptions

3

Partial Takings

Constructive Takings

Temporary Takings

4

Public Use requirement

Checks and Balances

Excess Condemnation

5

Notice

Hearing

Remedies

6

Provide EXAMPLES when possible

The Kelo House (1890)ConnecticutMarch 20th, 2009

Three years after the decision, in 2008, the house was rededicated on a new site on Franklin Street in New London.

The house had been reacquired and moved by Avner Gregory and stands as a monument, with an explanatory plaque out front, to the battle over eminent domain.

Do Your Homework!

Homework

CASE NAME: someone v someone (date)

FACTS: tell the story, up to but not including the Supreme Court decision

LEGAL QUESTION: Whether (behavior X) violates (legal principle Y) provided for under (law Z)

DECISION: (vote) in favor of (someone)

IMPACT: how did this decision change America

Brief: Kelo v City of New London

Video ClipEminent Domain