No. 19-197

Lavern Behm v. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.

Lower Court: North Dakota
Docketed: 2019-08-15
Status: Denied
Type: Paid
Amici (1)Response RequestedResponse WaivedRelisted (2)
Tags: due-process eminent-domain kelo-v-new-london private-corporation property-rights public-use taking-clause
Key Terms:
AdministrativeLaw Takings DueProcess FifthAmendment JusticiabilityDoctri
Latest Conference: 2019-11-15 (distributed 2 times)
Question Presented (from Petition)

1. Is it a violation of due process and the taking clause for the state – as a matter of law – to allow a private corporation to take private property through eminent domain based solely on the private corporation's own determination that the taking is for a public use?

2. In an eminent domain case where the trier of fact has found that the taking is not a public use, is not necessary, and is merely for the convenience of one private entity for the benefit of another private entity, is it a violation of due process and the taking clause for an appellate court to disregard these evidentiary findings and allow the taking to occur based solely on the private company's own determination that there is a public use?

3. Should the case of Kelo v. New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005), be overruled and the analysis presented by Justice Thomas in his dissent be adopted by this Court?

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Is it a violation of due process and the taking clause for the state to allow a private corporation to take private property through eminent domain based solely on the private corporation's own determination that the taking is for a public use?

Docket Entries

2019-11-18
Petition DENIED.
2019-10-30
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 11/15/2019.
2019-10-24
Reply of petitioner Lavern Behm filed.
2019-10-15
Brief of respondent Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. in opposition filed.
2019-10-01
Brief amicus curiae of Northwest Legal Foundation filed.
2019-09-12
Response Requested. (Due October 15, 2019)
2019-08-28
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 10/1/2019.
2019-08-20
Waiver of right of respondent Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. to respond filed.
2019-08-12
Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due September 16, 2019)

Attorneys

Lavern Behm
Lynn M. BougheyBoughey Law Firm, Petitioner
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
Dale Michael SchowengerdtCrowley Fleck, Respondent
Northwest Legal Foundation
Richard B. SandersGoodstein Law Group, PLLC, Amicus