Private Property Rights

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.

Paul Ruschmann and Maryanne Nasiatka are writers and researchers who live in Canton, Michigan. They are the creators of BeerFestivals.org and write the "Beer Travelers" column for All about Beer magazine.