Eminent Domain and Expropriation Laws: A Century of Urban and Regional Planning in Mexico

Abstract

This article analyzes two aspects of Mexican law that are relevant for planning practice in the country—eminent domain and expropriation. This article shows that the transition in Mexico from a semi-authoritarian to a democratic electoral political system brought not only substantial variability in the application of laws across states but also in planning practice. Democracy has generated a national debate about property rights issues and has reshaped the State–citizen relationship.