1. The act of judicially pronouncing someone guilty; conviction.
2. The determination and declaration that certain property (esp. land) is assigned to public use, subject to reasonable compensation; the exercise of eminent domain by a governmental entity. See EMINENT DOMAIN.
excess condemnation. A taking of land in excess of the boundaries of the public project as designed by the con-demnor. [Cases: Eminent Domain 58. C.J.S. Eminent Domain §§ 68–69.]
inverse condemnation. An action brought by a property owner for compensation from a governmental entity that has taken the owner’s property without bringing formal condemnation proceedings.
— Also termed constructive condemnation; reverse condemnation. [Cases: Eminent Domain 266. C.J.S. Eminent Domain §§ 375, 377, 381.]
quick condemnation. The immediate taking of possession of private property for public use, whereby the esti-mated compensation is deposited in court or paid to the condemnee until the actual amount of compensation can be established.
— Also termed quick-take. [Cases: Eminent Domain 187, 188. C.J.S. Eminent Domain §§ 210–212, 221.]
3. An official pronouncement that a building is unfit for habitation; the act of making such a pronouncement.
4. The official pronouncement that a thing (such as food or drink) is unfit for use or consumption; the act of making such a pronouncement. [Cases: Health 392. C.J.S. Limitations of Actions § 88.]
5. Maritime law. The declaration that a vessel is forfeited to the government, is a prize, or is unfit for service.