Horne v. United States of America et al

On April 7, 2023, Marvin and Laura Horne, raisin farmers, filed a follow-up lawsuit against the United States of America and the Department of Agriculture. This action stems from the landmark 2015 Supreme Court decision Horne v. USDA, which ruled that the federal government's seizure of a percentage of their raisin crop under a marketing order constituted an unconstitutional physical taking under the Fifth Amendment, requiring just compensation. The 2023 suit alleges that the government has failed to fully satisfy its compensation obligation, disputing the calculation of interest, attorney fees, and the actual market value owed for the taken raisins. The Hornes seek full enforcement of the Supreme Court mandate and additional damages for the prolonged deprivation of their property rights.

The case is ongoing, with motions for summary judgment pending. The plaintiffs seek a court order compelling the government to pay the outstanding balance plus accrued interest and attorneys' fees.

Whether the federal government has fully complied with the Supreme Court's mandate to provide just compensation for the physical taking of the raisin crop, including whether the compensation amount adequately covers interest, litigation costs, and reflects true market value at the time of the taking.

The case reaffirms the tension between agricultural regulatory schemes and constitutional property rights. It serves as a critical test of whether government agencies will be held fully accountable for takings, potentially influencing future compliance with Supreme Court rulings and providing a roadmap for farmers and property owners seeking just compensation from federal regulatory actions.