Whether it’s a home or a business, the right to own property is a basic part of what it means to be free. Property rights allow us to benefit from the fruits of our labor and to live freer, happier lives. But government frequently interferes with that right by restricting how we can use our property. And federal courts have largely refused to intervene on behalf of property owners. So Goldwater is using state law to protect our rights by ensuring that government cannot take land directly or deprive an owner of the rights to rent, improve, sell, or otherwise use her property, unless it pays them just compensation for that taking.
Property Rights
Recent Highlights
Holbrook, AZ, Tramples on Small Business Owner’s Property Rights—So We’re Suing
In the heart of Navajo County, officials in the city of Holbrook, Ariz., are determined control who enters their town, and they’re violating property rights to do it. Today, the Goldwater Institute sued the city on ...
Goldwater Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Rights of Property Owners—And Renters
The Goldwater Institute today filed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lawsuit challenging a Seattle ordinance that bars landlords from asking renters whether they have a criminal record. The Ninth Circ...
Foundations of Freedom Episode 1: The Power of Property Rights
What can spoons and sheep teach us about property rights? Timothy Sandefur has the answer. This week, we released the first in a series of new videos called “Foundations of Freedom,” featuring Sandefur discussi...
VICTORY! Phoenix Judge Declares Homeless ‘Zone’ Illegal—Orders City to Abate Nuisance
A Maricopa County judge declared Phoenix’s homeless “Zone” an illegal public nuisance this afternoon after property and business owners in the area sued the city for encouraging hundreds of homeless people to resi...
More About Our Property Rights Work
Ending Government Theft
Civil forfeiture is a law that allows police to take, keep, and profit from someone’s property without even charging them with a crime—much less convicting them of one. Once the property is seized, it is up to the owner of the property to hire a lawyer and go to court to attempt to get his or her property back. The Goldwater Institute is fighting back against this unjust practice. Learn more about it here.
Protecting Home-Sharing
The sharing economy creates new economic opportunities by connecting property owners and travelers through Internet home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway. Unfortunately, government bans on home-sharing deprive people of their fundamental right to safely use their property as they see fit. The Goldwater Institute is fighting back to protect the right to share your home. Read more about it here.
Property Ownership Fairness
Too often, government unjustly seizes private property, acting far outside the scope of its authority. The Goldwater Institute’s Property Ownership Fairness Act prevents unjust seizure of land by ensuring government can only take private property for purely public use and requiring government to compensate property owners when government regulations cause a decrease in their property value. Read more about it here.
Defending Property Rights in Court
More Issues
Property Rights
Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.
Jobs & Economy
When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.
Free Speech
Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.
Healthcare
Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.
Constitutional Rights
Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.
Limited Government
Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.
Education
Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.
Academic Transparency
Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.
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