What happens when the government lies about why it's seizing your land? That's the central issue in Brinkmann v. Town of Southold, a case being considered by the Supreme Court.
Property rights are inextricably connected to economic security and community. Property gives people a space to raise families, build communities, start a business, practice their faith, and debate their views. This is especially true for disfavored groups most vulnerable to the wishes of a hostile majority. But as with all constitutional rights, property rights exist only to the extent our courts protect them.
