James W. Ely Jr.

James W. Ely Jr. is an American legal scholar and professor known for his expertise in property law, state constitutional law, and legal history. He has contributed significantly to understanding how laws evolve around land rights, private property, and government authority. Ely has written influential books and articles that explore the Constitution’s impact on individual rights and property protections, shaping legal thinking and policy. His work often emphasizes the importance of historical context in interpreting legal principles, helping both scholars and practitioners better understand the balance between private rights and government powers.