DeVillier v. Texas
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in DeVillier v. Texas and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of DeVillier v. Texas.
The Supreme Court addressed whether property owners could pursue claims under the Takings Clause for damages caused by a state-constructed barrier. The Court found that Texas law provides a cause of action for such claims, allowing property owners to seek just compensation. The case was remanded to allow claims to proceed under Texas law.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in DeVillier v. Texas.
The Court held that DeVillier and other property owners should pursue their claims under the Takings Clause through the cause of action available under Texas law.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in DeVillier v. Texas. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Takings Clause is relevant to DeVillier v. Texas
The case revolves around whether the Takings Clause provides a cause of action for property owners seeking just compensation for state actions that result in property damage.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)He alleged that by building the median barrier and using his property to store stormwater, Texas had effected a taking of his property for which the State must pay just compensation.
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Why State Sovereign Immunity is relevant to DeVillier v. Texas
The case involves the ability of property owners to sue the State of Texas directly under the Takings Clause, implicating issues of state sovereign immunity.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The Fifth Circuit reversed, holding 'that the Fifth Amendment Takings Clause as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment does not provide a right of action for takings claims against a state.'
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to DeVillier v. Texas
The case discusses the procedural mechanisms available to property owners to seek compensation for takings, which relates to procedural due process rights.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The question here concerns the procedural vehicle by which a property owner may seek to vindicate that right.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in DeVillier v. Texas that support the summary and concepts above.
The Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment states: 'nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.'
Texas state law does provide an inverse-condemnation cause of action by which property owners may seek just compensation against the State.
The Court therefore remands so that DeVillier and the other property owners may proceed through the cause of action available under Texas law.
