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The Rejection of Progress
Across the country, a coalition of property owners and political activists are trying to stop economic development in certain neighborhoods. They believe that investment in their community will do more harm than good. In many cities, neighborhoods close to downtown are being transformed from being economically depressed to vibrant hubs of commerce. New homes and…
The Enemies of Property Rights: Eminent Domain
The term “eminent domain” was taken from a legal treatise written by the Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius in 1625. He used the term dominium eminens (Latin for supreme lordship) and described the power as follows: The property of subjects is under the eminent domain of the state, so that the state or those who act…
The Affordable Housing Crisis: Causes and Cures
Few people deny that America has a severe shortage of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. While there is agreement that a problem exists, there is little agreement about a remedy. Government officials at every level, along with housing advocates, frequently put forth a variety of policy proposals in an attempt to address the…
When the Principle is on the Other Foot
During the past several sessions of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers have tried to slap down numerous local ordinances that they correctly say violate property rights. Laws protecting trees, restricting banning short-term rentals, and bans on plastic bags have been among their targets. As we have previously written, it is proper for the legislature to prohibit…
Plato’s War on Houston: From Zoning to “SmartCode”
ByjbpThis was originally posted as a series on Live Oaks in September 2009. Comments have not been migrated. That is what I mean when I say that “right” is the same thing in all states, namely the interest of the established government; and government is the strongest element in each state, and so if we…
A “Mineral Rights” Controversy
An interesting controversy has erupted in Mississippi. Two private companies claim that they own the rights to minerals under certain parcels of land in Simpson County. Property owners have denied the companies access to their land to explore for oil and gas. A Simpson County judge has ordered the land owners to provide access. A…