Eminent Domain in American History and Current Practice

Speaker: Prof. Wendell Pritchett, Presidential Professor of Law and Education, University of Pennsylvania Law School

ABSTRACT

In the past decade, following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. New London, the issue of eminent domain (typically called “expropriation” in other countries) has received a great deal of attention among American legal academics, policy makers and the general public.  In this presentation, Prof. Pritchett will examine the historical development of eminent domain in United States law and economic policy and examine current debates over its use.

THE SPEAKER

Wendell Pritchett is Presidential Professor of Law and Education at Penn. A Penn Law professor from 2001-09, Pritchett served as Interim Dean of the law school from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. From 2009-2014, Pritchett served as Chancellor of Rutgers-Camden, and in 2008 he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy for Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who also appointed him to the School Reform Commission, where he served from 2011-14. He has written two books, and his research examines the development of post-war urban policy, in particular urban renewal, housing finance, and housing discrimination. Pritchett has specialized in real estate and housing law, representing nonprofit organizations involved in the development of affordable housing.

All are welcome. Light lunch will be provided on first-come-first-served basis.