Bills of Attainder and the Formation of the American Takings Clause at the Founding of the Republic

This Article first addresses takings law generally during the American colonial period as a background to the general understanding of takings at the founding. Next will be a discussion of the thinking of the founders, particularly James Madison, regarding the best ways to protect individual and property rights. The ban on bills of attainder will then be discussed in detail, followed by a review of the purposes and intent of the Fifth Amendment in light of the attainder language. The Article will conclude with a discussion of how the Eleventh Amendment was primarily created as a way to protect the states from attainder lawsuits.