Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that in 2007 there were 1.5 million home foreclosures, up 53 percent from 2006, and it looks as though 2008 the rate of new foreclosures will be even higher. One of the issues debated in Congress is whether...

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London, Conn. —affirming the right of governments to use the power of eminent domain to take private property for private economic development projects—was the most controversial condemnation case...

Subprime loans made to higher-risk borrowers are roiling the mortgage market because rising interest rates and stagnant or declining home values have led to trends similar to the following:   • Soaring subprime mortgage defaults and foreclosures....