Glossary
Terms Used in Eminent Domain
Blight — Most States have a statutory definition of "blight." Generally, it is an area that has physical deterioration, but State definitions vary considerably. For example, a blighted area might have homes without electricity or plumbing, but it might also be an area that is "economically underutilized" or that has inadequate parking, "inadequate planning," or too-small yards. Courts usually hold that using eminent domain to eradicate blight is for public use, whatever the eventual use of the property, because clearing away the blight is a benefit to the public. Declaring an area to be blighted or a slum is often…
