Arizona Judge rejects property condemnations for commercial development

The AP reports:

In a ruling hailed by property rights advocates, a judge has rejected Tempe's efforts to use condemnation lawsuits to seize privately owned land so it can be used for development of a shopping complex.

Judge Kenneth Fields of Maricopa County Superior Court rejected the city's argument that taking the land for economic development would deliver the public benefit required by the Arizona Constitution before cities can invoke eminent domain.

More Kelo backlash.