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No. 20-1214October Term 2020Decided Jul 2, 2021Updated Jul 2, 2021

Docket 20-1214October Term 2020 (2020–2021)

Eychaner v. Chicago

This case involves a Chicago property owner challenging the city’s use of eminent domain to take his land in an area that was not currently blighted and transfer it to a private party as part of a redevelopment plan.

Case status

Decided · July 2, 2021

Read the opinion (PDF)
Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released Jul 2, 2021
Case Accepted
Arguments
Decision ReleasedJul 2, 2021
What it's about

This case involves a Chicago property owner challenging the city’s use of eminent domain to take his land in an area that was not currently blighted and transfer it to a private party as part of a redevelopment plan. He argues that taking property based on the possibility of future blight violates the Constitution and asks the Court to revisit its decision in Kelo v. City of New London.

Question presented

1. Whether a taking pursuant to a development plan that would revitalize the economy, protect existing industry, reduce land use conflicts, and prevent blight in a rapidly declining area is permissible. 2. Whether the Court should reconsider Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469 (2005).

Case path

Appellate Court of Illinois, First District / Decision released Jul 2, 2021

Area

Decided Supreme Court case

Timing

Decided July 2, 2021

The Court released its decision on July 2, 2021 without hearing oral argument.

Activity

Docket activity2
  • Opinion added: Opinion

    Jul 2, 2021 | Court records

  • Brief added: Petition

    Feb 26, 2021 | Court records

Grounding

Grounding
Primary-source trail available.
Note
Plain-English explainer. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
Checked
Jul 25, 2026
Primary materials5