The Latest Breaking News from the Institute for Justice

Long Branch Eminent-Domain Settlement: homeowners beat condo plan; agreement protects MTOTSA

In Long Branch, New Jersey, local families stood firm against the city's move to utilize eminent domain for a redevelopment initiative targeting the MTOTSA neighborhood. In a significant 2008 appellate court decision, evidence was deemed insufficient for the city’s proposed acquisitions. By 2009, a protective agreement was established, ensuring homeowners…

The Times of India · 13h ago

Lakewood West End Blight Fight: residents repeal label after tight 2003 vote; case feeds post-Kelo debate

In 2003, residents of Lakewood faced a contentious situation when the city labeled their neighborhood as blighted, leading to legal resistance from property owners. With the support of the Institute for Justice, a narrow vote later rejected the redevelopment plan. By 2004, a new election successfully lifted the blighted designation,…

The Times of India · 16h ago

Judge Preliminarily Blesses $1.5 Million Settlement for Victims of a Tiny Town's 'Policing for Profit'

Financially motivated traffic enforcement produced a huge surge in revenue for Brookside, Alabama, where "fines and forfeitures" accounted for half the city's income in 2020.

Reason · Oct 1

The Feds Are Spying on Your Bank Account

While the Treasury forces money changers to report on suspected immigrants, Homeland Security is having police pull people over for suspicious transactions.

Reason · Sep 9

Why Conservative Republicans Are Worried About License Plate Cameras

Recent comments by Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis reflect a bipartisan backlash against warrantless surveillance.

Reason · Sep 9

A New Bill Reflects the Bipartisan Backlash Against Flock-Enabled Mass Surveillance

Criticism from Trump allies and recent survey results show that resistance to widespread deployment of automated license plate readers spans the political spectrum.

Reason · Sep 3

In 2025, CBP agents entered Leo Feler’s Chicago property without a warrant; in 2026, he sued the US government over about $30,000 in damage

A Chicago homeowner has sued the US government, alleging Customs and Border Protection officers entered his property without a warrant during an immigration operation in 2025. The lawsuit claims officers damaged his home, ignored requests to leave and violated his constitutional rights. The Department of Homeland Security says its officers…

The Times of India · Aug 6

Flock license plate cameras are surging in Texas. So is an anti-surveillance backlash.

More than 200 local law enforcement agencies have data-sharing agreements with DPS, providing wide access to vehicle information.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 3

Georgia Has Arrested At Least 20 Officials for Misusing the Flock Surveillance Database

Michael Soyfer, an attorney at the Institute for Justice, calls it “just the tip of the iceberg.”

Reason · Jul 31

Supreme Court Will Consider Excessive Fines Clause Asset Forfeiture Case

It will review Alaska's confiscation of a $95,000 plane arising from the pilot's illegal transportation of up to 72 cans of beer.

Reason · Jul 21