Nine state supreme courts and 44 state legislatures subsequently strengthened criteria for allowing eminent domain, according to the Institute for Justice, a public-interest law firm focused on property rights.

WSJ: Battle of the Beach

The Institute for Justice--a public-interest law firm that fights to protect free speech--is challenging laws in several states that effectively inhibit free speech in this way.

FORBES: What Next? Ban Elections?

The payments give authorities an "improper profit incentive" to seize assets, says Scott Bullock of the Institute for Justice, a libertarian public-interest law firm in Arlington, Va.

WSJ: Federal Asset Seizures and Forfeitures Rise; 'Equitable Sharing' Grows

The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit, public interest law firm, has found that in recent years local governments have taken or threatened to take by force more than 10, 000 homes or small businesses to further private economic development.

FORBES: Don't Junk Property Rights

The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit, public-interest-group law firm, recently released a report, "Public Power, Private Gain, " that documents how extensive the abuse of condemnation powers has become.

FORBES: Fact and Comment