What is the legal term for the act of taking private property for public use with compensation?

The legal term for the act of taking private property for public use with compensation is eminent domain. This principle allows the government to acquire private property for public purposes, such as building roads, schools, or parks, while ensuring that the property owner receives just compensation for their loss.

Eminent domain is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. This process is essential for the functioning of government projects that benefit the community at large, balancing the needs of the public with the rights of private property owners.

Other terms like expropriation, condemnation, and requisition may relate to the taking of property, but they tend to have varying definitions and contexts. Expropriation often refers specifically to the seizure of property by the state, typically used in international contexts. Condemnation is a legal process often associated with eminent domain that involves determining the value of the property and compensating the owner, but it doesn't encompass the broader legal authority of taking land. Requisition commonly refers to the seizure of goods or property, often for military purposes, and is distinct from the legal framework provided by eminent domain regarding private property and compensation.