The casebook covers the history of the common law and how it evolved into America's unique system of controlling the use of private land. Traditional techniques of land use control including zoning and planning, and emerging matters including land use mediation, local environmental law, housing and community development, referenda and initiatives, smart growth, and energy are covered. Constitutional issues covered include: eminent domain, regulatory takings, religious land uses, aesthetics, adult uses, exclusionary zoning, and other forms of discrimination. Other topics include: historic preservation, telecommunications and ethics.