Which case upheld the government's use of eminent domain to transfer private property to private developers for economic development?

• A. Reynolds v. United States (1878)
• B. Heller v. District of Columbia (2008)
• C. Kelo v. City of New London (2005)
• D. Boerne v. Flores (1997)

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is how broadly the government can use eminent domain under the Takings Clause to transfer private property to private developers for economic development. In the Kelo v. City of New London decision, the Court held that a city could condemn private land and transfer it to private developers if the overall project serves a public purpose by promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue. The majority emphasized deference to the government’s judgment about what will benefit the community and broadened “public use” to include plans that rely on public benefits rather than outright public ownership. Because the plan was intended to revitalize a blighted area and contribute to the public welfare, the transfer met the Supreme Court’s interpretation of permissible public use. This ruling is why it stands as the best answer to the question. The other cases involve different constitutional issues—polygamy and free exercise, gun rights, and religious freedom—so they don’t address eminent domain for private development.