eminent domain

eminent domain. The inherent power of a governmental entity to take privately owned property, esp. land, and convert it to public use, subject to reasonable compensation for the taking. — Also (rarely) termed compulsory purchase; (in Scots law) compulsory surrender. See CONDEMNATION(2); EXPROPRIATION; TAKING(2). [Cases: Eminent Domain 1, 69. C.J.S. Eminent Domain §§ 2–3, 71–72, […]

The inherent power of a governmental entity to take privately owned property, esp. land, and convert it to public use, subject to reasonable compensation for the taking. — Also (rarely) termed compulsory purchase; (in Scots law) compulsory surrender. See CONDEMNATION(2); EXPROPRIATION; TAKING(2). [Cases: Eminent Domain 1, 69. C.J.S. Eminent Domain §§ 2–3, 71–72, 198–199.]