As befits the always-controversial field of eminent domain, we note that there is a schism among the cognoscenti, following the release of the opinion in Koontz v. St. Johns Water Management District this morning. See preceding post.
The official version, as reflected in the SCOTUS opinion, says “St. Johns” whereas the Volokh Conspiracy (no mean mavens) say “St. John’s,” with an apostrophe. So which is it? “St. Johns” (as in Johns Hopkins) or the possessive, as in “St. John’s”? We take no sides, although our instinct suggests that “St. John’s” sounds better and we propose to so spell it, unless and until a real language maven tells us otherwise.
So consider this post a call to all language mavens: What say you? “St. Johns” or “St. John’s”?
We await your verdict.
[This post was edited on June 26, 2013, at 11:32 AM].