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Constitutional Issues

Foreclosure by power of sale requires notice of the sale to interested parties. Generally speaking, this is done by taking out an advertisement in a local newspaper in the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Many states also require notice be given to the mortgagor.

This procedure has resulted in some constitutional controversy. It has been argued in several cases that foreclosure by power of sale legislation fails to comply with the notice and hearing requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. Courts have consistently rejected this theory when it comes to private foreclosure actions with no public official conducting the foreclosure sale, ruling that there is no state action necessary to invoke the terms of the Fourteenth Amendment. However, there have been rulings indicating that if the mortgage holder is a government entity or if a public official conducts the foreclosure sale, the Fourteenth Amendment might be invoked and stricter notice requirements might apply. The case law on this issue is so far unsettled.


Inside Constitutional Issues