Fifth Amendment - Right to Private Property

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

The Following Hopkins Center Cases seek to vindicate Fifth Amendment rights:

Nichols v. Warren

Stephen Hopkins Center Supports Effort to Limit Expansion of Eminent Domain Powers in the East Bay


The Stephen Hopkins Center for Civil Rights has joined in opposing the creation of a new supra-municipal agency - the East Bay Energy Consortium - with the power of eminent domain. Center scholars have testified in opposition to the powers before several town councils and have been supporting the efforts of those local officials who are seeking to reverse resolutions in support of the "concept." Over the next few days we will post copies of our testimony and other resources for those seeking information about the consortium and its proposed powers. In the mean time, we have provided links to various other local coverage of the proposal. 

Read the Bill H7592

Articles and opinion pieces about H7592

Case Suggestions and Requests

The Stephen Hopkin's Center for Civil Rights provides free and reduced cost legal representation to Rhode Islanders whose constitutional rights are violated by government. Because our resources are limited, we must carefully choose among meritorious cases that will create broadly applicable precedents, with a primary focus on the Rhode Island Constitution.


We do not take the following types of cases:
  • criminal cases
  • cases against private parties
  • most cases involving financial claims against the government
  • fact-specific or factually complex cases that are not likely to produce broadly applicable precedents
  • cases involving governmental conspiracies
  • cases that are already in court
  • cases outside of Rhode Island

If you believe your case fits within the parameters for consideration, email [email protected]. Please give your contact information and relevant information regarding your case. Also, please note that we cannot take case inquiries over the phone or in person.

We welcome all inquiries, but due to the large number of inquiries submitted, we are not always able to respond to each one.  If your inquiry falls within our area of expertise, we will make every effort to respond as time and resources permit. Please understand that we cannot provide legal advice unless we agree to take your case.

Learn more about the Stephen Hopkins Center's legal cases here.

If you are interested in donating to the Stephen Hopkins Center for Civil Rights please E-mail [email protected].