Which case involved the use of eminent domain for economic development?

• A. Katz v. United States
• B. Lemon v. Kurtzman
• C. Employment Division v. Smith
• D. Kelo v. City of New London

Answer: (D)

Eminent domain can be used for a public purpose, including economic development, with compensation to the property owner. In Kelo v. City of New London, the Supreme Court held that a government can condemn private land to transfer it to private developers if the project serves a public purpose like creating jobs or increasing tax revenue. The ruling broadened the definition of public use to include these broader public benefits, as long as the process includes fair compensation. This case stands in contrast to the other listed cases, which deal with privacy rights, church-state separation, and free exercise of religion, not with taking private property for development. The takeaway is that Kelo is the case that involved eminent domain for economic development.