Eminent Domain and the Lost Liberty Hotel

In early summer 2005, the United States Supreme Court ruled that local governments have the right to seize a person’s home or business, against his or her will, for private economic development. This was, and still is, seen as a severe breach to Americans’ civil liberties. The Supreme Court has always been seen as the protector of our Constitutional rights; in this instance, it upheld the rights of greedy big-business.

Now, a group wants to take Supreme Court Justice David Souter’s home, in Weare, New Hampshire, and turn it into a hotel. According to Weare’s description on the state’s website, this does not appear to be such a bad idea. A venture such as the proposed “Lost Liberty Hotel” could certainly do quite well for a location such as Weare, revenue-wise. As of last summer, over one thousand people pledged to stay at the development after its completion. This fact alone promises a significant financial boost for this sleepy community.

Using positive financial impact as a motive for Souter’s forced eviction makes sense, as he, himself, ruled in favor of such removal for the purpose of economic growth. As a fellow American, Justice Souter should abide by the laws he helps to uphold. Even so, I’m almost certain that he will fight to retain his property, should this upcoming vote usurp his rights. It will be interesting to see if the ensuing battle goes to the Supreme Court, and, if it does, how the other justices might try to protect one of their own. If this is to happen, any decision made against the Weare development should effectively overturn the decision made in the New London, Connecticut, case. Hopefully, for some, this about face won’t come too late. As for me, I anxiously await the opening of the Lost Liberty Hotel and look forward to placing my name somewhere on its impressive reservation list.