Condemnation & Eminent Domain

Many of our readers in Arizona have probably heard the term “eminent domain,” but perhaps only have a general concept of what this legal term refers to. In short, eminent domain allows a governmental entity or utility company to take your property for a public use....

In 2006, the city of Phoenix put up a concrete barrier between the light rail tracks and one John Garretson’s property, which blocked two driveways leading from the street to Garretson’s property. Garretson sought damages for his loss of access to the street, though...