An introduction to Constitutional Law 100 Supreme Court cases everyone should know

Susette Kelo’s Little Pink House

The Rehnquist Court (1994-2005). Seated, from left to right: Antonin Scalia and John Paul Stevens, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, and Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Anthony M. Kennedy. Standing, from left to right: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David H. Souter, Clarence Thomas, and Stephen G. Breyer.

Fort Trumbull, New London, CT.

The plan was to use eminent domain to take property in Ft. Trumbull, and transfer it to Pfizer. The pharmaceutical company pledged to construct a new research facility.

Susette Kelo

Scott Bullock of the Institute for Justice represented Susette Kelo

Susette Kelo and her attorney, Scott Bullock

Susette Kelo and her attorney, Scott Bullock

Susette Kelo and her attorney, Scott Bullock

Scott Bullock arguing Kelo v. City of New London before the Supreme Court

During oral argument, Justice O’Connor asked the lawyer for New London if if the government could take a “Motel 6” in order to replace it with “a Ritz-Carlton,” which would generate “higher taxes. Now, is that okay?” In a gutsy move, Wesley W. Horton bit the bullet: “Yes, Your Honor. That would be okay.”

A decade later, the former site of Susette Kelo’s home remains an empty lot, occupied only by feral cats.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

Kelo’s home was moved, plank by plank. It now stands as a monument to eminent domain abuse.

The Italian Dramatic Club, which was located on the same block as Kelo's home, was not condemned.

Connecticut declared that the city of New London was a “distressed municipality.” As a means to improve the economy, New London planned to acquire property in the Ft. Trumbull neighborhood and transfer it to Pfizer. The pharmaceutical company pledged to construct a new research facility on this site. The city expected that its plan would create new jobs, increase tax revenues, and improve the area’s recreational opportunities.

Initially, New London tried to purchase the homes in Ft. Trumbull, including Susette Kelo’s little pink house. However, Kelo and her neighbors—some of whom had lived in their houses for their entire lives—refused to sell. In response, the city commenced condemnation proceedings. New London would use its eminent domain powers to acquire the properties in exchange for “just compensation.”

Kelo filed suit in state court to halt the condemnation proceedings. She alleged that the city’s taking was not for a “public use.” According to the development plan, most of the condemned property would be transferred to private parties.