A Conversation with Robert Denlow – Property Law Attorney

“Eminent domain is a Constitutional power granted to government to buy property, even if the property owner objects. In 2005 the U.S. Supreme Court decided Kelo v. City of New London, Connecticut. Although the decision was controversial, it was not the first time “public use” had been interpreted by the Supreme Court as “public purpose”. Media reports of the Kelo decision led some people to believe that local government had been granted the power to purchase anyone’s property and turn it over to another private party. Opposition to the ruling was widespread. As a result of the decision, many states changed their eminent domain laws. To discuss the current state of the law is today’s guest, Robert Denlow, a St. Louis attorney who specializes in property law. Conversation with Lee Presser is a weekly half hour television program seen for twelve years in the St. Louis market on Charter Cable TV.”

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Skip to 2:00 to begin the interview.

6:50 ‘must be a large development to make economic sense’

16:00 what is just compensation? bricks and land? what about pain suffering, business loss, ect.

19:00 relocation expenses added

23:00 what is the point of private property if you can’t control when you choose to dispose of it. Cornerstone of American success.

24:30 Blight – if it makes sense to The City or the developer blight can be defined as anything.

Presser, Lee. A Conversation with Robert Denlow – Property Law Attorney January 22, 2013.

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