eminent domain

Eminent domain is the government's power to take private property for public use, such as building roads, schools, or parks. While this allows for community development, the owner must be compensated fairly for their property. This process is guided by law and typically involves negotiations, but if an agreement isn't reached, the government can initiate legal proceedings to obtain the property. Although intended to serve the public good, eminent domain can sometimes lead to disputes about what constitutes "fair compensation" and the necessity of the project.