Cambridge Studies in International and Comparative Law: Series Number 11: The Right to Property in Commonwealth Constitutions

The right to property is an important part of most Commonwealth constitutions. This book examines the evolution of right to property and the changing trends in their interpretation by the courts. A number of specific issues are examined closely: * Which interests are constitutionally protected as 'property'? * When does the regulation of property amount to an acquisition of property? * Are there limits on the purposes for which states may take the property of their subjects? * What are the rules regarding compensation for property? The analysis is both practical and theoretical, and it should be useful to both academic and practising lawyers.

1. Introduction; 2. The right to property at common law; 3. The development of written rights to property; 4. Constitutional interpretation; 5. The meaning of property; 6. Acquisition and deprivation; 7. Public purpose; 8. Compensation; Bibliography.