What sort of rights are entailed in the ownership of private property? The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that ""private property [shall not] be taken for public use, without just compensation""; this has been read to imply that the government may take private property if it provides ""just compensation."" This provision has been used by the government to compel citizens to sell their property in order to clear space to build public roads, parks, or even commercial spaces. But these public benefits come at a cost and, now, those who have lost land or the physical or economic use of their land are fighting back. This debate is explored in Private Property Rights, an objective guide that will enhance readers' understanding of this pivotal issue.

 

This book is part of a book series called Point-Counterpoint-Issues in Contemporary American Society .

There are 136 pages in this book. This book was published 2007 by Chelsea House Publishers .

Author Paul Ruschmann, J. D. , is a legal analyst and writer based in Canton, Michigan. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Michigan. A member of the State Bar of Michigan, he specializes in legislation, public safety, traffic and transportation, and trade regulation. He is also the author of several other titles in the Point/Counterpoint series, including Legalizing Marijuana, The War on Terror, Media Bias, Tort Reform, and Miranda Rights.